Pakistan government takes notice of misbehaving Afghanistan fans

Afghanistan and Pakistan played out one of the most thrilling games of this World Cup on Saturday in Leeds. With Pakistan’s confident sky high after their wins over South Africa and New Zealand, not many would have expected Afghans to give their fancied opponents a stiff challenge. However, Afghanistan not only challenged the Men in Green but also nearly beat them before the latter snatched away a victory from the jaws of defeat.

After scoring a modest 227, Afghans threatened to pull off a remarkable upset by reducing Sarfaraz Ahmed & Co to 156 for 6. However, all-rounder Imad Wasim played a fine unbeaten knock of 49 to take his team over the line. The game was evenly balanced when Pakistan needed 46 from the last five overs. With the spinners giving away no freebies at all, the game was heading towards a thrilling finish.

However, it all changed when skipper Gulbadin Naib decided to take the spinner away from the attack and instead bring himself in to bowl some medium pace. The move backfired as Imad collected 18 runs from that over. Pakistan did lose Shadab Khan in the 47th over but it made little difference. Imad finished the game by hitting Naib for a four in the final over of the match.

Earlier in the game, Shaheen Afridi again impressed for Pakistan. The left-arm quick took 4 for 47 to help restrict Afghanistan to 227/9. Despite it being a humdinger and going down as one of the most interesting contests of this tournament, the game was marred by several incidents of fights that broke out between the opposition fans throughout the game. Right from the start till the end, the fans were at loggerheads with each other.

Pakistan government takes notice:

In the wake of the violent exchanges, the Pakistan government has made an intervention and urged for the separation of sports and politics. Pakistani journalist Abdul Ghaffar confirmed the news on Twitter. He also established that the ICC is also taking action on the different incidents that happened during the match.

“Pakistan Govt officially takes notice of Misbehave of Afghan fans with Pakistan fans during #PakvAfg match and demand to separate Sports from Politics. ICC also start inquiry about the matter include pitch invasion + Flying politicial message on leeds,” he wrote.

BREAKING: Pakistan Govt officially takes notice of Misbehave of Afghan fans with Pakistan fans during #PakvAfg match and demand to seperate Sports from Politics.

ICC also start inquiry about the matter include pitch invasion + Flying politicial message on leeds.#CWC19

— Abdul Ghaffar (@GhaffarDawnNews) June 30, 2019