Team India (R). | (Image Credits: BCCI X)
A Pakistan journalist has highlighted their players’ rude behaviour and lack of humility, citing the examples of the likes of Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi and Imran Nazir. The revelation came as Team India clinched the Champions Trophy this year by remaining undefeated throughout the tournament.
The Men in Blue went about their work professionally across facets and were the best team head and shoulders, claiming the Champions Trophy for the third time. Their last two wins against Australia and New Zealand were most special as they chased 250+ scores comfortably.
Speaking on Pak TV, the journalist recalled two instances when Umar Akmal and Shahid Afridi disrespected the fan, elaborating:
“Pakistan team agar is tarah ka event jeet jaati toh pehli baat toh yeh hai ki humse seedhe muhn baat hee nahin karenge. Mujhe aaj bhi yaad hai Umar Akmal ek PSL ke match mein 50 run karke aaye they. Ek baccha hotel mein lobby se lift tak aaya, Umar Akmal ne use photo nahin lene diya. Shahid Afridi bhi vahan they, usne bacche ko phenka yeh keh ke main interview de raha hoon.”
(If Pakistan would have won such an event, they would have hardly spoken to us in a humble manner. I still remember the moment when Umar Akmal had scored a 50 in PSL. A kid had begged Akmal for a selfie but he didn’t allow. Shahid Afridi was also there and he shoved the child away and responded rudely.)
“I was Imran Nazir’s fan and he didn’t let me take a selfie”
He further stated that ex-opener Imran Nazir treated him equally badly and that he gave him some bad omen in return.
“Main Imran Nazir ka fan tha aur Imran Nazir ne mujhe selfie nahin lene diya. Abhi Imran Nazir se main acche terms mein hoon, baat bhi acche se hoti hai, par usne camera ke saamne yeh baat keh di toh dil bahut dukha, kyunki woh us waqt ke star they. Uske baad Imran Nazir ko meri baddua lagi aur woh team mein nazar nahin aaye.”
(I was Imran Nazir’s fan and he didn’t let me take a selfie. Although I’m on good terms with Imran Nazir now, I was quite upset at that time because he was a star that time. Nazir received that bad omen that time and somehow he didn’t play for Pakistan again)
The journalist added:
“Kal aapne Virat Kohli ka rawaiyya dekha hoga, ek ek ke paas gaye, unke caps pe signature ki, autograph diya. Yeh culture ke maamle mein apne khiladiyon ko groom karne ki zarurat hai.”
(Yesterday Virat Kohli’s humble nature was on display when he signed many fans’ caps and gave autographs. Hence, this culture needs to be imbibed in our players too).
