Watch Video: PCB Chief Calls India Enemy Country Ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
Watch Video: PCB Chief Calls India Enemy Country Ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf, has ignited a controversy during the Pakistani cricket team’s visit to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which is set to commence on October 5th. A video that has gone viral on social media features Ashraf referring to India as “dushman mulk” or “enemy country” while discussing the new contracts for players.
In a video shared on X, Ashraf explained the reason for the landmark hike for players in the central contracts and stated, “You should keep in mind that when the players go to an enemy country or where the competition is being held, you should support them so that they can perform well.” The video has gone viral in no time with many schooling the PCB chief for his choice of words.
Watch the video here:
Pakistan morale should be high as they r going to "DUSHMAN MULK"
Says Zaka Ashraf chairman of Pakistan cricket Board @TheRealPCBMedia @vikrantgupta73 @rawatrahul9 @manoj_dimri @SushantNMehta @zakaashraf81 pic.twitter.com/t7y9cqdz5B— Kunal (@kunal11_23) September 27, 2023
Ashraf’s comments have sparked outrage among both Indian and Pakistani cricket enthusiasts, particularly given the warm welcome the Pakistani players received in Hyderabad, ahead of the tournament. Numerous Pakistani social media users have openly criticised Ashraf for his remarks.
Talking about Team Pakistan, Babar & Co. is set to play two warm-up games before the CWC 2023 edition. Their first warm-up game is on Friday evening (September 29) versus New Zealand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. They will then lock horns with Australia on October 03 at the same venue before their tournament opener on October 06, where they face the Netherlands on October 07 in Hyderabad. They remain in Hyderabad till their second game before travelling to Ahmedabad to face arch-rivals India on October 14.
Pakistan squad for World Cup: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Hasan Ali