Fans and supporters breaching the security and charging down to the playing area to meet their favourite cricketers is not an alien thing. Quite a few times, the admirers of cricket stars have been spotted storming into the ground. But this trend has reduced drastically as players have been living in a bio-bubble, and fans are advised to maintain their distance.
However, in the recently-concluded second ODI between Pakistan and West Indies, a fan ran out to the middle to salute all-rounder Shadab Khan while he was batting. Shadab’s reaction to the whole episode took everyone by surprise as the Pakistan vice-captain hugged the fan, which gathered a huge cheer from the crowd.
The incident took place in the 39th over of Pakistan’s innings when Shadab was batting on 9. Before the fourth delivery of the over, the fan charged down to meet his favourite star. Shadab didn’t disappoint him as he gave him a hug, and the fan jumped in pure joy before he went back.
Here is the video:
Shadab Khan fan enter in the ground and hug him.
Best moment 😍.
Video of the day.#PAKvWI pic.twitter.com/c51kmIXfMl— Wasif HafeEz (@wasi_se) June 10, 2022
West Indies cricket legend Ian Bishop, who is a commentator for the series, heaped praise on Shadab for the latter’s wonderful gesture.
“Great moment just now when a spectator ran onto the field. Instead of being violent with him (because it could have been dangerous, plus COVID), Shadab Khan hugged him and sent him on his way. #Beautiful. P:S,,,I understand all the reasons why that is frowned upon,” Bishop wrote on Twitter.
Great moment just now when a spectator ran onto the field. Instead of being violent with him (because it could have been dangerous, plus COVID), Shadab Khan hugged him and sent him on his way. #Beautiful. P:S,,,I understand all the reasons why that is frowned upon.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) June 10, 2022
Speaking about the match, Pakistan put up a total of 275/8 on the board after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Skipper Babar Azam continued his incredible form and top-scored with 77 runs off 93 balls. Opener Imam Ul Haq also shined and made 72 runs.
In response, the tourists were bundled out for a 155 to lose the contest by 120 runs. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz bagged a four-wicket haul for just 19 runs in his quota of 10 overs. Mohammad Wasim Jr also chipped in with three wickets.
