Ibrahim Zadran' Controversial Statement to dedicate POTM award to Afghan refugees

𝘼𝙛𝙜𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙞𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙨 

Pakistan and Afghanistan share a long history of friendship, cooperation, and cultural exchange. Pakistan has been a gracious host to Afghan refugees for over 40 years, providing them with shelter, education, health care, and livelihood opportunities. Pakistan has also played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s cricket development by providing coaching, training facilities, and allowing Afghan players in domestic cricket.

Yet, it is disheartening to see unwarranted attacks on Pakistan from some quarters. During the Cricket World Cup 2019 match in Headingley, Leeds between Pakistan and Afghanistan, some Afghan fans displayed anti-Pakistan banners and slogans. They also clashed with Pakistani fans and journalists outside the stadium, resulting in injuries and arrests.

 

Similar incident took place during the #AsiaCup2022 match between Pakistan and Afghanistan in which Afghanistan fans hurled chairs after losing to Pakistan. 

Recently, Afghan player Ibrahim Zadran's statement to dedicate the Player of the Match award in the #AfgvsPak match, which Afghanistan won by 8 wickets, to Afghan nationals forcibly returned from Pakistan appeared biased and somewhat insensitive, given the context.

These Afghan individuals are refugees, and their return to Afghanistan is expected, as they are not Pakistan’s nationals. Pakistan has been facilitating their voluntary repatriation in a dignified and orderly manner.

Pakistan deserves respect and appreciation for its generous hospitality and support to Afghan refugees and cricket. Pakistan has always stood by Afghanistan in times of need and crisis. Pakistan has also been actively engaged in the peace process and regional stability in Afghanistan. Pakistan and Afghanistan have a common destiny and a shared future. They should work together to foster mutual trust, harmony, and cooperation. 

It is the saying of Hazrat Ali Karamullah wajhu. "Beware of the evil of whomever you favour" 

Afghan cricketers should strive for maturity and grace in their actions, moving beyond biases. They should remember the favours of Pakistan and the favours should never be forgotten.

Cricket can be a powerful medium to bridge the gaps and promote goodwill between the two nations. 

#PakvsAfg #CWC2023 #IbrahimZadran 🇵🇰🏏🇦🇫

Sitarah Anjum