Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, the former Pakistani fast bowler, has sparked controversy with his recent remarks ahead of the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan ODI World Cup 2023 match. Naved-ul-Hasan claimed that Indian Muslims show support for the Pakistan cricket team, playing the ICC World Cup card to defame the Indian Muslim community.
The 2023 ICC Men’s 50-over World Cup is scheduled to take place in India from October 5 to November 19, with matches held at ten venues across the country. The tournament will kick off with a match between the 2019 finalists, England and New Zealand, at the prestigious Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The final will also be held at the same venue on November 19. Boasting a seating capacity of 132,000 spectators, the Narendra Modi Stadium is the largest cricket stadium in the world and will also host the India vs. Pakistan ODI World Cup match on October 15.
India has maintained an unbeaten record against Pakistan in all previous ODI World Cup encounters, with a remarkable 7-0 scoreline. The Indian team aims to continue their dominance in this edition as well. Although the match is still three months away, discussions surrounding it have already begun on both sides of the border. Adding fuel to the off-field rivalry, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan’s sensational claim about the support for the Pakistani team has raised eyebrows.
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During an appearance on the Nadir Ali podcast, the former Pakistani pacer, who had a notable career representing Pakistan in nine Tests, 74 ODIs, and four T20I matches, was questioned about the upcoming India-Pakistan clash. Naved-ul-Hasan acknowledged that India would be the favorites playing at home but also suggested that the Pakistani team would receive substantial support from the Indian Muslim community.
While acknowledging India’s home advantage, Naved-ul-Hasan stated, “Pakistan has a strong team, and it will be a great match. I believe there is a significant Muslim population in India, and we will receive support from them as well.” However, it is essential to note that Naved-ul-Hasan’s comments should not be generalized to represent the sentiments of the entire Indian Muslim community.
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is known for its intensity and historical significance, but it is crucial to promote harmony and avoid generalizations that may create unnecessary divisions. Cricket should continue to bring people together, fostering goodwill and sportsmanship between the two nations.