Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee chairperson Zaka Ashraf has stirred one other controversy amid the Pakistan crew’s go to to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, ranging from October 5 onwards. In a video that’s viral on social media, Zaka was heard speaking about gamers going to “dushman mulk” (enemy nation) for tournaments, whereas he was addressing the media about PCB’s new contracts for gamers. His comment was allegedly focused at India.

In the viral video, Ashraf mentioned, “We gave these contracts to our players with love and affection. Never in the history of Pakistan, such an amount of money has been given to players. My aim was to keep the players’ morale high as they go to countries, the enemy country (‘Dushman Mulk’) for competitions.”

One facet, Pakistan cricket crew obtained enthusiastic welcome in India.

Other facet, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf termed India as “Dushman Mulk” (enemy nation).

So, it doesn’t matter what we do, Pakistan’s mentality & agenda is obvious. pic.twitter.com/oUbz8MYsl5

— Anshul Saxena (@AsokayAnshul) September 28, 2023

These remarks made by Zaka Ashraf amid the nice and cozy reception obtained by Pakistan’s gamers in India at Hyderabad forward of the event have drawn the ire of each Indian and Pakistan cricket followers, with many expressing their anger towards Zaka’s statements on social media. Several Pakistani netizens criticised Zaka for his assertion.

“Shame on PCB chairman on calling India “Dushman mulk* regardless of a heat welcome from them, zaka ashraf is the true dhusman of our crew. Dear Indian do not take him critical, he only a political tout that is why he was made chairman. #PAKvNZ #PakistanCricketWorkforce,” said Pakistan cricket fan Tehseenqasim in a post on X.

Another cricket fan in Pakistan described the statement from the PCB Chief as irresponsible

“Irresponsible assertion from the pinnacle of PCB Zaka Ashraf. India isn’t ourt enemy.” posted Sultan Khan on X

Irresponsible statement from the head of PCB Zaka Ashraf

India is not out enemy.#India #WorldCup2023 #ZakaAshraf pic.twitter.com/4kLspex7rA

— Sultan Khan (@MainHoonSultan7) September 28, 2023

The Pakistan team, will play their first warm-up match against New Zealand in Hyderabad today. It will be followed by another warm-up match against Australia on October 3.

Pakistan will start its World Cup campaign against the Netherlands from October 6 onwards.

Pakistan squad:Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.

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