Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi Stalin, who is also the Minister of Sports and Youth Development in his father’s cabinet has come out in support of Pakistani cricketer Muhammad Rizwan who had performed namaz in the middle of the stadium during the game, following which the crowd chanted Jai Sri Ram after India’s victory.
On Saturday (15 October 2023), during the India-Pakistan World Cup match at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, spectators enthusiastically cheered “Jai Shri Ram” as Pakistan’s wicket-keeper-batsman, Muhammad Rizwan, made his way back to the pavilion after getting out at 49 runs.
In light of this, DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin came in support of the Pakistani cricketer saying that the treatment meted out to Pakistan players at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was unacceptable.
“Sports should be a unifying force between countries, fostering true brotherhood. Using it as a tool to spread hatred is condemnable. #IndiaVsPakistan“, he said.
India is renowned for its sportsmanship and hospitality. However, the treatment meted out to Pakistan players at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is unacceptable and a new low. Sports should be a unifying force between countries, fostering true brotherhood. Using it as a tool… pic.twitter.com/MJnPJsERyK
— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) October 14, 2023
On the 10th of October, Pakistan secured a victory against Sri Lanka in the ongoing 2023 World Cup. Following his remarkable century in that match, Muhammad Rizwan dedicated the win to the people of Gaza, expressing his gratitude towards the Indian spectators and the hospitality and support he received in Hyderabad. However, his involvement of political matters in the context of the game drew significant criticism, as it appeared to breach the ICC’s code of conduct, which strictly prohibits cricketers from making political and religious statements.
This was for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. 🤲🏼
Happy to contribute in the win. Credits to the whole team and especially Abdullah Shafique and Hassan Ali for making it easier.
Extremely grateful to the people of Hyderabad for the amazing hospitality and support throughout.
— Muhammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) October 11, 2023
Muhammad Rizwan, much like several of his fellow countrymen, has a reputation for intertwining politics, religion, and sports. He gained attention when he openly offered Namaz on the cricket field during the break in the match against the Netherlands, with his teammates waiting for drinks. This action was met with disapproval, particularly given the context of it happening in front of Indian spectators.
#WATCH : Mohammad Rizwan intentionally does this when there are Indians watching him. During T20 World Cup 2021, India vs Pakistan match he has offers ‘Namaz’ in ground during drink break. #MohammadRizwan #Pakistan #PAKvNED #namaz #INDVSPAK #icccricketworldcup2023 #ICCWorldCup pic.twitter.com/a0NAz4JvkZ
— Ravi Pandey🇮🇳 (@ravipandey2643) October 6, 2023