PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf sparks controversy with his ‘Dushman Mulk’ remark
Pakistan is in India to participate in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The team was received with warmth at the airport when the team landed in Hyderabad. Indian fans were seen excited to witness the Pakistani players in India after almost seven having last played an international game on Indian soil during the 2016 T20 World Cup.
Amidst all the love and hospitality which is being showered on the players, PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf has given a controversial statement by allegedly terming India as ‘Dushman Mulk’
Controversial Statement
We have showed our love towards our players with the new contracts. No one has allocated as much budget towards player contracts as I’ve done. Mera maksad ye hi hai ki hamaare players ka morale up rehna chahiye, jab ye dushman mulk me khelne jaaye, ya kahi bhi jaaye jaha competition ho raha hai. (I only want my players to be in high morale when they travel to an enemy nation, or anywhere in the world, to take part in the competition),” Ashraf said.
The video of Ashraf’s statement has also gone viral on social media platform X, with fans from both countries criticizing the PCB chairman for making the controversial remark.
Pakistan arrived less than 48 hours before their opening World Cup warm-up match against New Zealand on Friday. A total of 10 players, including two traveling reserves, attended the optional training session, demonstrating their awareness of the upcoming challenge.
The Repeat
This is not the first time that a PCB chairman has said something controversial involving India. Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raza reacted furiously when an Indian journalist asked him a question about Pakistan’s loss in the final of the Asia Cup 2022.
In a video that went viral on social media Rohit Juglan, an Indian journalist asked“Awaam badi nakhush hai, unke liye koi sandesh? (Pakistani fans are not happy after this defeat. Do you have a message for them?),” A visibly irate Raja took offense at the question. “I guess you are from India, your people must be very happy,” he said and snatched Juglan’s phone from him.
