Pakistan's star wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan delivered a stunning performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 thrilling showdown against Sri Lanka. On Tuesday, October 11, Rizwan's scintillating century became instrumental in guiding Pakistan to victory, enabling them to chase down the record target of 345 runs.
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But little did he know that a day after cracking a match-winning century and hogging limelight, Rizwan's tweet will spark a controversy which will land himself in troubled water.
Battling through physical discomfort, marked by back pain and cramps, his perseverance was evident. But what sparked a controversy was his decision to dedicate this memorable knock to the ‘brothers and sisters in Gaza, a territory currently under the influence of the Hamas organisation, designated as a terrorist group.
The Gaza Strip is a part of the broader Palestine region, and recent escalations have seen Israel launching retaliatory strikes against Hamas, following attacks initiated by the latter. The ensuing conflict has had a devastating human cost, with casualties reported on both sides, a figure that unfortunately continues to rise.
Rizwan's controversial tweet
Rizwan took to X (the platform previously known as Twitter) to post, "This was for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. Happy to contribute in the win. Credits to the whole team and especially Abdullah Shafique and Hassan Ali for making it easier. Extremely grateful to the people of Hyderabad for the amazing hospitality and support throughout."
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Rizwan in soup
Rizwan's statement on X has stirred a whirlwind of reactions. Social media platforms are abuzz, as users grapple with divided sentiments on the ongoing Gaza crisis. The global community remains split over the conflict's intricacies, with some rallying behind Israel's defense against Hamas-initiated attacks, while others lament the sustained adversities faced by the Palestinian populace.
Since International Cricket Council (ICC) doesn't approve of any political statement being made during an ICC event, the apex cricket governing council will take a stringent action against Rizwan. Earlier, the legendary MS Dhoni was also asked to remove the insignia from his gloves during the 2019 World Cup as ICC doesn’t approve of any political statement being made during an ICC event. Historically, sports and politics have occasionally intersected. A case in point is England's cricketer Moeen Ali's 2014 episode. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had reprimanded him for donning wristbands bearing messages "Save Gaza" and "Free Palestine" during a match. ICC's code of conduct strictly prohibits players from showcasing political sentiments on the cricket pitch. However, such directives don't extend to personal social media expressions.
A section of Indian fans on X critiqued Rizwan, suggesting that he is blurring the lines between sports and geopolitical affairs. This evokes memories of an earlier contention when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) leveled accusations at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The PCB alleged the BCCI was intertwining politics with sports by opting against traveling to Pakistan, attributed to non-clearance from the Indian Government.
Rizwan's dedication reignites age-old debates, questioning the intersection of athletic platforms with global socio-political scenarios. As the discussions continue, the sports world watches keenly, reflecting upon its role amidst global crises.
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