Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Management Committee, has changed his stance after his recent controversial comment.
Zaka Ashraf indirectly referred to India as an “enemy country” when the Pakistan cricket team arrived in Hyderabad, India, for the ICC World Cup 2023.
Initially, Ashraf stated that players should have high morale when going to a place considered an “enemy country” or where the competition is being held. He emphasized the importance of the nation’s support for the team’s performance.
However, this comment stirred anger among Indian fans, leading to widespread outrage.
In a statement released by the PCB on Friday, Zaka Ashraf revised his position. He pointed out the warm reception the Pakistan team received in India, especially at the Hyderabad airport. He emphasized that this warm welcome highlighted the mutual affection between the people of both countries for each other’s players.
Zaka Ashraf went on to mention that while India and Pakistan are traditional cricket rivals, they should not be considered enemies. He expressed hope that the camaraderie and warmth shown during the team’s arrival in India would continue throughout the World Cup.
