ICC World Cup 2023: Mohammad Rizwan cleared by ICC for dedicating win to Gaza on X

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Pakistan wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan was cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his post on dedicating Pakistan's win over Sri Lanka to 'brothers and sisters' in Gaza, Palestine, reported Cricket Pakistan.

"This was for our brothers and sisters in Gaza," Rizwan wrote on Twitter. "Happy to contribute in the win. Credits to the whole team and especially Abdullah Shafique and Hassan Ali for making it easier. Extremely grateful to the people of Hyderabad for the amazing hospitality and support throughout."

There was a cry in social media for his post as many, mostly in India, were not happy with the comment and felt it was politically motivated. Former spinner Danish Kaneria was among the few Pakistani to criticise the comment, saying victory belongs to all of humanity and not to just a few.

Danish Kaneria's criticism came right after India humbled Pakistan by seven wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The tweet brought the controversy back into the limelight as Indian fans by and large sided with the former cricketer.

Cricket Pakistan, however, reported that ICC has spoken to the Pakistan team management, who said the statement wasn't political. ICC was satisfied with the explanation and the Pakistan wicketkeeper, who scored a century in a record chase against Sri Lanka, wasn't asked to take down the tweet.

As per PCB rules in the past, Pakistani players have found themselves in trouble for airing their personal thoughts, especially controversial ones, on social media. However, there's no ban on posting on social media, allowing players to make general statements.