• Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Zaka Ashraf stirred a massive controversy by referring India as 'Dushman Mulk'.

  • Pakistan team is currently in India for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023.

ODI World Cup 2023: Netizens slam PCB chief Zaka Ashraf for referring India as ‘Dushman Mulk’
Fans slam PCB chief Zaka Ashraf for terming India as enemy country despite arousing welcome of Pakistan players (Image Source: Twitter)

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The Pakistan cricket team received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from Indian fans as they arrived in Hyderabad for the highly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023. Star players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan expressed their gratitude for the reception they received upon their arrival in India, setting a positive tone for the upcoming tournament.

Shocking remark by PCB Chief Zaka Ashraf

In a startling turn of events, Zaka Ashraf, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), stirred controversy by referring to India as a ‘Dushman Mulk’ (enemy country) during a press conference in Pakistan. Ashraf, who assumed office earlier this year, was discussing the new contracts offered to Pakistani players when he made the divisive remark.

During the press conference, the 71-year-old announced a substantial increase in match fees and remuneration for Pakistani players. He claimed that these changes were made to boost the morale of the players while they compete in what he termed ‘enemy countries’ or wherever the tournament takes place.

Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023 – Here are complete squads of all 10 teams

“Players hain inka morale upar rehna chahiye jab ye kisi dushman mulk ya kisi bhi jagah khelne jaayen jahan vo competition ho raha ho, to they should go with the full support of the nation aur unko ek acche tarike se perform kar sake (You should keep in mind that when the players go to an enemy country or where the competition is being held, you should support them so that they can perform well),” Ashraf said in a video which has gone viral on X (formerly Twitter).

Netizens slam Ashraf for his senseless comment

Ashraf’s controversial statement quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking outrage and condemnation from netizens in both India and Pakistan. Many individuals took to social media to express their disapproval of Ashraf’s choice of words and the negative connotation associated with calling India an ‘enemy country.’

Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023 3rd Warm-up game, NZ vs PAK – Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | New Zealand vs Pakistan

Here’s how netizens reacted:

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CATEGORY: ODI World Cup Pakistan

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AKSHAT GAUR
Akshat is the Sr. Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Akshat has honed his skills over 6 years, working with various media outlets, publications, and organizations to deliver high-quality content that informs, educates, and entertains audiences. He is just another cricket fan who’s grown up watching the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Cricket runs in his veins. Cover drive is his favorite sight, and a ball meeting the middle of the bat is his favorite sound. You can write to him at akshat.gaur@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.