'The manner in which Babar and Rizwan batted, the strike-rotation, the look on their faces, it was amazing. The best thing, what Rizwan did, he offered the Namaz on the ground surrounded by Hindus, that was really something very special for me,' said Waqar on ARY News
Waqar Younis. File Pic/AFP
Former Pakistan skipper Waqar Younis' comment on Mohammad Rizwan offering namaz during the drinks break in the India-Pakistan game in the ICC T20 World Cup hasn't gone down well with former cricketers as well as Pakistan fans.
While cricket fans across both nations have lauded Pakistan's dominant performance, former pacer Waqar finding joy in something beyond cricket has left fans unimpressed. "The manner in which Babar and Rizwan batted, the strike-rotation, the look on their faces, it was amazing. The best thing, what Rizwan did, Mashalla, he offered the Namaz on the ground surrounded by Hindus, that was really something very special for me," said Waqar on ARY News.
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Former India cricket Aakash Chopra was unimpressed with Waqar's remarks. "Et tu, Waqar!" Chopra tweeted.
Et tu, Waqar! 🤦
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 26, 2021
Veteran cricket commentator and analyst Harsha Bhogle also lashed out at Younis in a series of tweets.
For a person of Waqar Younis' stature to say that watching Rizwan offering namaz in front of Hindus was very special to him, is one of the most disappointing things I have heard. A lot of us try hard to play such things down and talk up sport and to hear this is terrible.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 26, 2021
I really hope that a lot of genuine sportslovers in Pakistan are able to see the dangerous side to this statement and join in my disappointment. It makes it very difficult for sportslovers like us to try and tell people it is just sport, just a cricket match.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 26, 2021
You would think that cricketers, as ambassadors of our game, would be a little more responsible. I am sure there will be an apology on the way from Waqar. We need to unite the cricket world, not divide it by religion
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 26, 2021
Many Twitter users condemned Younis' statement.
Disgusting by #waqaryounis !! Never expected such a statement from a legend like him ....
— Harsh Vardhan (@harshvardhan806) October 26, 2021
@waqyounis99 is not more than a garbage. He feels proud of #Rizwan for offering Namaaz in between the ground with Hindu players around.
— Sachin Ghasil 🇮🇳 (@GhasilSachin) October 26, 2021
Such things should be banned by #ICC ASAP.#INDvPAK #waqaryounis
Proves very much why countries that put religion above nation always have their citizens living pitiable lives #waqaryounis #waqar #PakvsNz
— Biju1988 (@THEPUNISHER24X7) October 26, 2021
Mohammad Rizwan and skipper Babar Azam put on a remarkable show as Pakistan thrashed India by 10 wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Rizwan (79*) and Babar (68*) didn't give any chance to Indian bowlers to come on top as the two batsmen dominated the proceedings. Pakistan chased down the target of 152 without losing a wicket as India looked clueless in their opening match.
Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis faces flak for 'communal' remarks
This was the first time that India has lost a T20I by ten wickets. Coincidentally, this was also the first time that Pakistan has won a T20I by ten wickets. Shaheen Afridi was adjudged as Player of the Game after a three-wicket haul.
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