PCB Alleges Inappropriate Conduct During India vs Pak Match, Files Complaint with ICC

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the “inappropriate conduct” of fans directed at the Pakistan squad during the India vs Pakistan World Cup match. This match was held on October 14, 2023, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

In a video that went viral on social media, several fans could be seen chanting “Jai Shree Ram” as wicket-keeper batter, Mohammad Rizwan made his way back to the pavilion after getting out for 49 runs. Many users condemned the behaviour while drawing a comparison with past instances of sportsmanship depicted by fans.

On October 17, 2023, the PCB’s Media Department issued a statement on X informing of the step taken by the PCB. This post further highlighted the “delays in visas for Pakistani journalists and the absence of a visa policy for Pakistan fans for the ongoing World Cup 2023”. In this regard, another formal protest has been lodged with the ICC.

In a separate instance, during the Australia vs Pakistan match held on October 20, at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, a police officer reportedly tried to stop a Pakistani fan from chanting “Pakistan Zindabad”.

The 13th edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, hosted by India, commenced on October 5 and is currently underway. Earlier, India co-hosted the World Cup tournaments in 1987, 1996 and 2011 respectively.