Awks.
So, we all know about the post-Pulwama attack happenings, right? Since then both the countries are witnessing another low in their relationship. Well, a lot of hate has been spewed by the Indian celebrities across the border and among this lot, the most prominent name is of Gautam Gambhir. The cricketer eagerly promotes the anti-Pakistan narrative and is famous for his vitriolic attacks on Pakistan.
Recently, BCCI was reportedly ‘considering’ to send a letter to the ICC demanding Pakistan to be barred from the upcoming World Cup 2019 in England.
It was being said that if ICC acts against the wishes of BCCI then India might consider withdrawing from the tournament itself. In response to the Indo-Pak controversy, Richardson, CEO of ICC, clearly stated that ALL the teams have signed a participation agreement which requires them to participate in ALL the matches thus in case of non-compliance, the points will be awarded to the other team.
Like many others in Indian celebrities, Gautam Gambhir reiterated the stance of BCCI by asserting that India SHOULD boycott the upcoming world cup match against Pakistan
He added to his statement by saying that Indo-Pak match should be boycotted even if it causes the Indian team to lag behind from two points or a spot in finals. He went on to say that soldiers are more important than cricket points. The cricketer concluded by saying that the entire country should support the Indian cricket team in this particular decision.
Here’s a short clip:
India should be ready to forfeit Pakistan match: Gautam Gambhir pic.twitter.com/hR8bwrupfd
— NDTV Sports (@Sports_NDTV) March 18, 2019
This statement by Gambhir has naturally hurt the sentiments of the cricket fans who have urged the cricketer to spread peace
cheap publicity , grow up indians .soldier job is fighting , Artist , sportsman jobs are spreading love.have u peopl imagine how many south asia peoples r working abroad for their families ? stop war make chai.spread love.rmember leaders dont talk of wars if thy talk thy fail.
— saeed Ahmad (@saeedalfalah) March 18, 2019
A few even suggested the cricketer stay silent if he cannot really contribute to the regional peace
@GautamGambhir All you can spread is hatred!
Friendly advice: If you cant contribute to the peace of this world, learn to stay quiet!— Abdullah Ajmal (@abwho_0) March 18, 2019
The statement was seen as an illogical and irrational stance
Lovely logic Mr Gambhir.Welcome to politics after leaving cricket.
Soon somebody may come up with the idea of removing the letter ‘P’ from the Indian dictionaries because P is for Pakistan.— Pravesh Suri (@PraveshSuri) March 18, 2019
That is indeed stupid. What will it achieve? World Cup is a tournament that belongs to the world. If you want to protest, boycott the event itself … why just a match https://t.co/xwXr17WIJM
— Murli Mohan Rao (@IndianTirangaa) March 18, 2019
People accused the cricketer of fanning the flames in an already critical situation
He knows that the match will be played anyhow, but he has his own interests in hyping the issue.
— zubair buch (@ZubairBuch) March 18, 2019
Pakistani cricketers were appreciated for their professional approach towards an international game
People praised the Pakistani cricketers for not politicizing the game.
I will have to say that again It's Pakistan who has more professional approach. Pakistani players are saying again and again that we should not politicize the sports while Indian players saying it's in the politicization of sports.#PakistanZindabad
— Abdullah Qamar ツ (@AbdullahQamar_) March 19, 2019
A few rightly pointed out this all might lead to the isolation of India
The thing is that if we keep on doing this,we will be isolated by the other sporting Nations pic.twitter.com/Wm8dZEav7o
— kartika (@kartikashah2018) March 18, 2019
A few light-hearted chaaye mentions were made and the people didn’t forget to troll the cricketer
@GautamGambhir we know that your jawans are much more important to you thats y we returned Abhinandan to you.
Ask him how was our tea 😂😂😂— Minhaj Haider (@minhajj_haider) March 19, 2019
Please forfeit that match ! We insist you but if you ever decide to come out and play – we would make sure to have “ tea” ready for you all. 😄
— Habib Khan (@khanhabib79) March 19, 2019
People clearly said that the cricketer is promoting hate speech and is politicizing the game.
Hate talk at its peak.
He wants to be in politics at the cost of hate speech.— Sajjad (@sajjad_hayderk) March 19, 2019
They even said that the post-retirement, irrational statements by Gambhir are an embarrassment to the Indian nation.
Is bechare ko @BCCI ghaas ni Dalta islye yeh BCCI ko blackmail krta rehta ha. Is bechare ko koi kaam de de yaar ni pagal ho jye ga yeh @GautamGambhir
— ayaz chaudhry (@Ayaz_alone308) March 19, 2019
Memes were made as an attempt to defuse the tensions.
Sports in particular cricket has the ability to bring people together and unite communities, Unfortunately Indian cricketers are undermining this fact and are all set to ‘boycott’ the match.
What are your thoughts regarding this issue? Let us know in the comments below.