Shillong, October 24: Ibrahim Zadran, the standout performer in Afghanistan’s historic win against Pakistan at the ICC Cricket World Cup, stirred controversy with his dedication.
He led Afghanistan to a remarkable victory, outshining Pakistan in all aspects of the game.
As per IANS, however, his dedication of the Man of the Match award and the win to Afghan nationals being sent back from Pakistan ignited outrage, especially among Pakistanis disappointed with their team’s performance.
Critics accused Zadran of making politically motivated statements from the cricket field, and some even resorted to derogatory terms. Social media erupted with the hashtag #NamakHaram, with strong opinions on display.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s government is in the process of expelling over 1.7 million illegal Afghan immigrants back to Afghanistan, setting a November 1 deadline for their departure.
This decision has faced opposition from the UNHCR, emphasizing the importance of not forcing refugees to leave unless they choose to do so. The UN body offered assistance in registering these immigrants as refugees, but the Pakistan government remains steadfast in its decision to send them back to Afghanistan, citing links between illegal immigrants and a surge in terrorism.
This decision has raised concerns for the lives of these Afghan families, particularly women and children, who are being forced to return to a country they fled.