/wion/media/agency_attachments/2024/12/26/2024-12-26t112006978z-wion-white-logo-for-website-2-1.png){kind=logo}
/wion/media/agency_attachments/2024/12/13/2024-12-13t071548098z-wionlogo.webp)
/wion/media/member_avatars/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2022/07/16/279708-screenshot-2022-07-16-191721.png)
/wion/media/member_avatars/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2022/07/16/279708-screenshot-2022-07-16-191721.png)
/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/01/08/404482-untitled-design-2024-01-08t195428931.png)
Islamabad
Pakistan cricketer Muhammad Rizwan has come under the scanner for a support tweet for teammate Haris Rauf. After a video showing Rauf's altercation with a Pakistani fan went viral on social media, Rizwan posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) to back his colleague, but the situation took a turn for the worse.
Rizwan's post angered Indian fans, who came out in numbers to criticise the Pakistan star. In the post, Rizwan mentioned that it didn't matter if the fan was from India or Pakistan, even though it was cleared by the fan himself that he was from Pakistan.
"It is irrelevant whether the person who disrespected Haris Rauf was from Pakistan or India. What truly matters is that this individual lacked values and manners," wrote Rizwan.
It is irrelevant whether the person who disrespected Haris Rauf was from Pakistan or India. What truly matters is that this individual lacked values and manners. No one has the right to disrespect any human being, especially in front of their family members. Such appalling…
— Muhammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) June 18, 2024
Indian fans were quick to school Rizwan who seemingly attempted to make it an India-Pakistan issue and play on the sympathies.
One fan said, "Absolutely unnecessary to mention 'India' here when that fan himself claimed he's from Pakistan," while another commented: "Also, when this Pakistani himself claimed that he was from Pakistan, then why are you mentioning India?"
A third added: "Learn to accept the defeat with grace than trying to set narrative against Indians after losing back to back matches against India."
Watch: Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf charges at fan he thought was 'Indian', VIDEO goes viral
Notably, apart from Rizwan, other Pakistan cricketers such as Hassan Ali, Junaid Khan and Shadab Khan also came in support of Rauf but refrained from mentioning India.
I've seen a video circulating online about Harry @HarisRauf14 and I urge all my dearest cricket fans to remember that criticism can be constructive without being hurtful. Let's keep the debate respectful and considerate of the players’ families. Let's promote love, peace and…
— Hassan Ali ?? (@RealHa55an) June 18, 2024
As a cricket lover, you can criticise the performance of players but NO ONE has the right to barge into personal space of players, and abuse their families.#harisrauf #PakistanCricket #t20inUSA
— Junaid khan (@JunaidkhanREAL) June 18, 2024
It is the right of fans to criticise us for performances. We accept it and try to learn from it. It is not OKAY to attack anyone personally in their family’s presence, unacceptable. How would u feel if someone attacked u personally while with family? #HarisRauf @HarisRauf14
— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) June 18, 2024
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi issued a threat to the Pakistani fan and called him to issue an apology to Rauf or prepare to face legal action.
"Strongly condemn the appalling incident involving Haris Rauf. Such actions against our players are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated," wrote Naqvi on X.
"Those who are involved must immediately apologise to Haris Rauf, failing which we will pursue legal action against the individual responsible," he added.
In the video, Rauf could be seen out and about with his wife when the said fan approached him. As the situation escalated, others around came and separated Rauf from the fan.
(With inputs from agencies)