Pakistani fans were reportedly prevented from chanting “Pakistan Zindabad” (Long live Pakistan) during their team’s match against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday.
According to eyewitnesses, security personnel intervened when a group of fans began chanting the slogan, informing them that it was considered a political statement and was not permitted at the venue.
The incident has sparked outrage among Pakistani fans, who have accused the authorities of double standards. They point out that Australian fans are often heard chanting patriotic slogans at sporting events without any repercussions.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not yet commented on the incident. However, it is understood that the decision to prevent fans from chanting “Pakistan Zindabad” was made by the MCG authorities.
The decision to prevent Pakistani fans from chanting “Pakistan Zindabad” at the MCG has been met with widespread criticism. Many people have accused the authorities of hypocrisy, pointing out that Australian fans are often heard chanting patriotic slogans at sporting events without any repercussions.
Some commentators have suggested that the decision may have been motivated by political considerations. The relationship between Pakistan and Australia has been strained in recent years, and there is a perception that some Australians view Pakistan with suspicion.
The incident is likely to further alienate Pakistani fans and could damage the reputation of the ICC. The ICC has a responsibility to ensure that all fans are treated fairly and that the game of cricket is not used as a vehicle for political or ideological messaging.
It remains to be seen whether the ICC will take any action in response to the incident. However, it is clear that the decision to prevent Pakistani fans from chanting “Pakistan Zindabad” has raised serious questions about the ICC’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity.
In the meantime, Pakistani fans are likely to continue to chant their patriotic slogans, regardless of the attempts of the authorities to silence them.
