Lahore
Cricket fans across the globe have expressed their dismay and anger at the International Cricket Council’s snub of the Pakistan cricket team in one of its recent promotional social media posts, which didn’t include any representation from one of the most successful and attractive T20I teams.
“Dave Webb’s illustration shows many colours of many countries in the ICC Men’s @T20 World Cup,” said the ICC post, which didn’t include any Pakistan player.
The fans, including from the neighbouring countries, took to the social media and slammed the ICC for ignoring Pakistan, which won the ICC T20 World Cup 2009, remained the runners-up in 2007 and losing semi-finalists in 2010 and 2012.
“Disappointed from ICC not to show any one from Pakistan cricket team,” a fan wrote in his post. “[The] ICC sharing this illustration means that without Pakistan it’s fine. Wow,” remarked another fan.
The ICC could have been given the benefit of doubt of an oversight had it removed the post after the fans had highlighted the glaring error. But retaining it on its platforms even after four days forced the followers to believe this was a direct attempt by the ICC to insult and humiliate a proud cricket nation, whose contribution to the world cricket was invaluable and incomparable.
“It looks like the ICC is Indian CC. Intentionally done this!” a fan said in his post. “Great to see the ICC being biased,” another fan remarked.
Pakistan’s latest contribution to the world cricket was their decision to tour England and help resume activities during COVID-19 pandemic that had brought the world sport to a standstill. India, in contrast, had postponed a number of its FTP commitments, but is now holding their league in the United Arab Emirates.
The ICC post features players from around 15 countries, with the most prominent players in the design being India’s Virat Kohli and Ben Stokes of England.
The selection of Kohli and Stokes in the graphic has also raised plenty of eyebrows within the cricket fraternity.—APP
