World Cup 2023: PCB chief calls India 'Dushman Mulk' after Pakistan cricketer receive warm welcome in Hyderabad

Add as a preferred source on Google

World Cup 2023: As Pakistan cricketers continue to get VVIP treatment after their warm welcome in Hyderabad for the World Cup 2023, their cricket board's (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf has addressed India as a 'Dushman Mulk (enemy nation)' to stir a massive controversy.

In the video which has gone viral on social media, Zaka was heard talking about Babar Azam-led Pakistan side going to "dushman mulk" for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 which starts from October 5.

"We gave these contracts to our players with love and affection. Never in the history of Pakistan, such an amount of money has been given to players. My aim was to keep the players' morale high as they go to countries, the enemy country ('Dushman Mulk') for competitions," Zaka Ashraf said while addressing the media about Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) new contracts for players.

These remarks made by Zaka Ashraf did not go well with the cricket fans of both the nations. Notably, Pakistan cricket team received a very warm welcome at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on Wednesday. A sea of fans cheered the Men in Green at the airport. The hotel staff also welcomed the 1992 champions with a lot of warmth.

Pakistan cricketers were quick to acknowledge the love and support they got on their arrival in India. The likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi praised the Indian hospitality. Pakistan media and fans also praised India and highlighted how their players were treated like a superstar after their first arrival in the country in seven years.

"Shame on PCB chairman on calling India "Dushman mulk* despite a warm welcome from them, zaka ashraf is the real dhusman of our team. Dear Indian don't take him serious, he just a political tout that's why he was made chairman. #PAKvNZ #PakistanCricketTeam," said Pakistan cricket fan in a post on X.

Another cricket fan in Pakistan described the statement from the PCB Chief as irresponsible

"Irresponsible statement from the head of PCB Zaka Ashraf. India is not our enemy." posted Sultan Khan on X.

Pakistan will play their first warm-up match against New Zealand in Hyderabad on Friday, September 29. Their next warm-up game is scheduled to be played at the same venue on October 3. Pakistan will start their World Cup 2023 campaign against Netherlands from October 6.

Pakistan squad for World Cup 2023: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.