Explained: Why 'Boycott' India vs Pakistan ODI World Cup 2023 showdown is trending on social media
By Ovaise Shariff | First Published Oct 13, 2023, 12:32 PM ISTIn anticipation of the highly anticipated Cricket World Cup 2023 match between India and Pakistan on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a trending 'Boycott' hashtag on social media is causing quite a stir.
Fans are expressing their intention to boycott the India vs Pakistan World Cup match, citing concerns over Pakistan's alleged involvement in terrorism. This has reignited the age-old debate on whether sports should remain separate from politics and international relations. The recent tragic event in Kashmir, where an Indian Army Colonel, a Major, and a Deputy Superintendent of Police lost their lives in a gunfight with terrorists, has added to the sentiments surrounding this fixture.
Let us come together and Boycott the match against Pakistan
If the government can't do , we citizens can do
BHARAT MATA KI JAI pic.twitter.com/iTKe1JkTxx
Amidst the build-up to the clash, viral images and videos depicting Pakistani players receiving a warm welcome in India have ignited discussions on why such hospitality is extended when incidents of terrorism originating from Pakistan continue to impact India, particularly its security forces. Adding to the controversy is the announcement of a pre-match show at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, featuring Bollywood singers Arijit Singh, Shankar Mahadevan, and Sukhwinder Singh, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This move has raised eyebrows, especially given the absence of an opening ceremony in this World Cup.
What BCCI and Jay Shah have done in the honor of Pakistan team will not be tolerated at all.
Our soldiers are fighting bravely against Pakistan supported terrorists on the border.
pic.twitter.com/VvQY8HVP1w
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Furthermore, it's worth noting that India and Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral series since 2013, and India's last visit to Pakistan was during the 2008 Asia Cup. Since 2013, their encounters have been limited to ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup.
The reaction on social media has seen many expressing their displeasure and threatening to boycott the match and associated events. These sentiments have been amplified by users demanding that cricket should not overshadow the sacrifices of soldiers on the border.
Cricket match is nothing infront of our Soldiers.
Enemies are always enemy.
Pakistani doesn't deserve this type of welcome. pic.twitter.com/is3V7w8j67
As the stage is set for the match, India has enjoyed comprehensive victories over Australia and Afghanistan in the World Cup, while Pakistan has secured wins against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. The clash is highly anticipated, with fans looking to their star players, including Virat Kohli, skipper Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Mohammed Siraj, to deliver against their arch-rivals.
Squads:
India Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav.
Pakistan Squad: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.
Here are some of the other Tweets:
हम नहीं सुधरेगे pic.twitter.com/s8DCIiuF4l
— aman rav (@amanrav20)Shame on you and that you will be singing for the Pakistani for the money 💰 pic.twitter.com/0p1060nJaF
— Ashish Gurjar 🇮🇳 (@SirAshu2002)If you are a self-respecting Indian who cares about the country and our armed forces, you will boycott this match. Not just NOT go to the stadium, but also NOT see it. Not discuss it.
Barely 3 weeks ago, we lost 3 of our finest to Pakistani terrorists. And we want to make a big… https://t.co/NC11O5SUbd
Cricket match is nothing infront of our Soldiers.
Enemies are always enemy.
Pakistani doesn't deserve this type of welcome. pic.twitter.com/is3V7w8j67
We have IMPACT IMPACT IMPACT IMPACT
And so on !
Let's see the IMPACT Now
STOP THE TAMASHA !
NO AMAN KI ASHA ! Must Apologise
Team must Step In and cancel this Ugly Pre-Match Show pic.twitter.com/owtOP5WwyM
STOP THE TAMASHA❗️
NO AMAN KI ASHA❗️ Must Apologise
Team must Step In and cancel this Ugly Pre-Match Show & Match between Bharat 🇮🇳 n https://t.co/7vqG4QEGdt
Please boycott india Pakistan cricket match Always pic.twitter.com/LinVicdDIL
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