After guiding Pakistan to a record run chase in the eighth ODI World Cup 2023 match against Sri Lanka at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday, Pakistani star batsman Mohammad Rizwan put out a controversial political post on X dedicating his 131-run knock to the ‘people of Gaza’.
“This was for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. Happy to contribute to the win. Credits go to the whole team, especially Abdullah Shafique and Hassan Ali, for making it easier. Extremely grateful to the people of Hyderabad for the amazing hospitality and support throughout,” Rizwan wrote on X.
The 31-year-old Pakistani wicketkeeper also praised Abdullah Shafique and Hassan Ali for making the run chase easier. Rizwan also thanked the people of Hyderabad for their hospitality and support.
Following Rizwan’s post on X, many social media users questioned the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to allow a political statement to be made by a player during an ICC tournament. Netizens called for a ban on the Pakistani player for his controversial post. The ICC in the past has been very strict as far as players making political statements during ICC tournaments.
In 2014, Moeen Ali was banned by the ICC from wearing “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” wristbands for the remainder of the third Test against India in Southampton.
However, England cleared Moeen to wear the bands, arguing that he was making a humanitarian statement and not a political one.
Other than Moeen Ali, MS Dhoni was also involved in a controversy for wearing the Special Forces Balidan badge on his wicket-keeping gloves.
In 2019, the ICC requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have the insignia removed from Indian wicketkeeper and former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s gloves, citing ICC regulations.
The ICC, however, has not made any official statement about Rizwan’s post on X. The PCB has also not commented on the post.