No place for hooliganism in cricket, says angry Pakistan Cricket Board chief
Video Credits: https://twitter.com/i/status/1567589651598172161
No place for hooliganism in cricket, says angry Pakistan Cricket Board chief: In the first place, PCB chairman Ramiz Raja said there is no place for hooliganism in the gentleman’s game. Furthermore, he blamed Afghanistan fans for the off-field brawl between supporters of both nations. This incident happened after a nail-biting Asia Cup match in Sharjah.
Fans of Pakistan and Afghanistan literally came to blows after Pakistan’s one-wicket win in the Super 4 match on Wednesday. Furthermore, the Pakistani batsman, Asif Ali fuelled the trigger for the brawl by getting physically violent with Fareed Ahmed. In addition, Fareed Ahmed did an in-your-face celebration following the former’s dismissal.
Moreover, an angry PCB chief offered to lodge a protest over the events to the ICC and Asian cricket bodies. He has decided to extend it to Emirates Cricket Board, too.
PCB’s reaction to the brawl
“There is no place for hooliganism in cricket. Afghanistan as a nation, team have to control their emotions if they are to progress further. It was a great match both teams fought hard but there was no need for such scenes after the match,” Ramiz said at a press conference.
Moreover, it was not the first time such an incident happened. The fans of both teams had been in physical conflict during the T20 World Cup in 2021. Likewise, they had the same encounter in the 2019 ODI World Cup.
“The visuals we saw after the match, in particular, are not good advertisement for cricket at all. It has happened before also not the first time it happened and that is something all cricket nations have to look at,” Ramiz said.
He commented that winning and losing are part of a game. But he expects fans to learn to keep their emotions in check.
PCB in support of its players
“We own our cricket team and our fans and that is why we will be talking to the ICC and other related bodies on this issue.” Ramiz went on to praise the Pakistan team for its performances in the Asia Cup.
“I just think our team needs to stop giving so many heart attacks to us and fans. But we all know now that even if our team loses a match, it will not do so without a fight and that is what we want in our cricket,” he said.
“The fans now own this team and that is what gives me satisfaction. These players have really made us proud.”
The PCB chief said he seeks answers regarding Shaheen Shah Afridi’s knee injury and fitness issues. In addition, he wants to stay updated regarding other problems during the Asia Cup.
“Nowadays in modern day cricket with the facilities available players cramping up during matches is unpardonable even if they are playing in the UAE in off-season and weather is hot. Definitely, when the team returns home we will question the team management on this.”
Moreover, Ramiz also said that the PCB would install the latest machines required for the rehabilitation of players.
“I think this is something we should have done a long time ago. But we are getting there now.”