The high-stakes clash between India and Pakistan at the ICC World Cup 2023 not only drew cricket enthusiasts from around the world but also sparked controversy as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a formal complaint regarding alleged inappropriate conduct towards members of the Pakistani cricket team. The complaint came in the wake of Pakistan’s attempt to break their World Cup jinx against Team India, which ended in a 7-wicket victory for the hosts.
Days after the much-anticipated encounter at the grand Narendra Modi Stadium, the PCB expressed its concerns about the crowd’s behavior during the high-profile fixture. Mickey Arthur, the team director and chief coach, shed light on the issue, bringing attention to the crowd conduct that marred the intense contest between the arch-rivals.
Furthermore, the PCB has not limited its grievances to just crowd behavior. The apex cricket board of Pakistan also lodged a formal protest with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding delays in issuing visas to Pakistani journalists, an issue that has raised significant concern within the cricketing community.
The PCB issued a statement, asserting, “The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged another formal protest with the ICC over delays in visas for Pakistani journalists and the absence of a visa policy for Pakistan fans for the ongoing World Cup 2023. The PCB has also filed a complaint regarding inappropriate conduct targeted at the Pakistan squad during the India vs. Pakistan match held on 14 October 2023.”
The situation further escalated when multiple reports emerged suggesting that wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan had been subjected to heckling by fans during the match between India and Pakistan. The incident reportedly occurred at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where several fans chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ (Hail Lord Ram) multiple times as Rizwan was making his way back to the pavilion. This incident was caught on video and ignited a heated debate on social media.
Additionally, the PCB’s response comes amidst news of several members of the Pakistani squad recovering from fever in Bengaluru. Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, and his team are preparing for their upcoming World Cup fixture against Australia. The PCB’s media manager, Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi, offered reassurance, stating, “Some players got fever in the past few days, and most of them have fully recovered from it. Those who are in the stage of recovery remain under the team medical panel’s observation.”
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits further developments in the ICC World Cup 2023, these off-field incidents have underscored the need for sportsmanship and respectful conduct both on and off the field.
Sources By Agencies
