Rizwan’s Post on Rauf’s Fight Sparks ‘India’ Comment Controversy

The tweet that Pakistani wicketkeeper and batter Mohammad Rizwan sent in support of colleague Haris Rauf took an unexpected turn. He received backlash for including the name of India in it. A day after a video of Rauf fighting with some supporters in the USA went viral on social media, the Pakistani cricket community fully supported him.

Following Pakistan’s group-stage elimination from the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies, an incident happened outside the team hotel. Pakistan collapsed under pressure to lose from a winning position against archrival India after suffering an unexpected setback to newcomers USA. Although the exact origin of the incident was unknown, it appears that one of the group’s followers may have made some offensive remarks that set off the event.

It is irrelevant whether the person who disrespected Haris Rauf was from Pakistan or India. What truly matters is that this individual lacked values and manners. No one has the right to disrespect any human being, especially in front of their family members. Such appalling…

— Muhammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) June 18, 2024

Across the hedge, a clearly enraged Haris was seen racing towards a man wearing a blue T-shirt, despite his wife’s valiant attempts to stop him. The other gang members attempted to dissuade the Pakistani pacer from getting into a fight.

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What Happened With Haris on that Day

The man said he wanted to take a selfie, and Haris was seen angrily disputing with him. The Pakistani bowler continually said, “Tera India nahi hai yeh (This is not your India),” trying to stress that the fan was from India, after the group was able to split the pair and throw Haris beyond the hedge. However, the man was overheard saying, “Pakistan se hu,” in response. (My home is in Pakistan.)

Whether the guy who insulted Haris Rauf was Indian or Pakistani is unimportant. The fact that this person lacked morals and etiquette is what really counts. Nobody has the right to treat another person disrespectfully, especially in front of their family. Such heinous conduct needs to end. It’s becoming harder to find values like compassion, respect, and tolerance,” Rizwan wrote on X.

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After the event generated a lot of discussion on social media, Haris issued a statement. “As well-known individuals, we welcome any and all public comments. They have the right to applaud or condemn us. However, I won’t think twice to respond appropriately when it comes to my mom and my family,” he stated.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, meanwhile, requested the fan to apologize to Haris and denounced his actions. In the event that he didn’t, he even mentioned suing.

Condemn with all sincerity the horrible event that involved Haris Rauf. Such behavior directed at our players is totally intolerable and won’t be allowed. We shall take legal action against the offending party if those concerned do not promptly apologize to Haris Rauf on X.