The ex-captain of Pakistan Cricket Team and the founder of the country’s premiere cancer treatment center, Imran Khan passed some really uncalled for remarks regarding foreign players who traveled to Pakistan amidst security concerns, to play the PSL final in Lahore. While it is understandable that he had concerns over “top billed” cricketers not coming to Pakistan because of those same security concerns, calling the ones who did come “phateechar” and “railu kattay” does not go well with his stature.
He was supposed to be the face of cricket in Pakistan – the unofficial ambassador of the game – and saying some really racist things is not something one expects of someone of his caliber.
#PSL پاکستان میں ہوتا تو ایسے پھٹیچر پلیئرز نے ویسے بھی آجانا تھا،پتا نہی یہ کونسے انٹرنیشنل پلئرز لائے،عمران خان@najamsethi @PTIofficial pic.twitter.com/apdKif2r2I
— Iffat Hasan Rizvi (@IffatHasanRizvi) March 6, 2017
These comments haven’t gone down well with Pakistanis, generally
here we go , the master of bad timing , ladies and gentlemen @ImranKhanPTI for you #Phateechar
— Sanwal Zia (@sanwalzia) March 7, 2017
Have totally lost all respect @ImranKhanPTI atleast he could be happy for once!! #Phateechar
— Kashif Raza (@kashrzaa1) March 7, 2017
Iam big supporter of PTI but this is not acceptable?Sammy has not only won the cup but also won our hearts #Phateechar #imrankhan shame on u
— @A@ (@ze96593) March 7, 2017
This one couldn’t help but notice how bik gaye hain Imran Khan’s hardcore followers:
For thse who are still supporting and defending the statement of Imran Khan… #Phateechar#پھٹیچر pic.twitter.com/sU7adZQpxV
— Mohibullah Seenharo (@msseenharo) March 7, 2017
Some are equating these remarks with immaturity and labeling that as a reason for Imran Khan’s political troubles
Immature politics immature statements are the reasons behind the unpopularity of PTI #Phateechar
— Patriot ?? (@iMrPatriot) March 7, 2017
Others are sharing the faces of the phateechar players who did come to play cricket in Pakistan
#Phateechar#CricketComesHome
Someone please tell their names to @ImranKhanPTI pic.twitter.com/L1xxXlvtmn— Mustafa (@Hydronium112) March 7, 2017
This guy wanted a trimmer
Trimmer Lao #Phateechar
— AHSAN احسن (@Ahsan__Ahmed) March 7, 2017
This guy has made an interesting observation
Mr. Khan is really out of ideas these days …..?#Phateechar
— Side View (@iam_somebody1) March 7, 2017
And this gentleman wants Khan sahab to face off against Darren Sammy on the pitch
IK thinks Africans are inferior and their players are useless. Khan sahab phir kabhi Aao khushbu laga ke Sammy ke saath khelne. #Phateechar
— Laghari Speaks (@SpeaksLaghari) March 7, 2017
But jokes apart, many, many people are angered by the reckless remarks
I voted for him but if doesn't know how a future PM should speak then might as well hire someone to do the job #Phateechar
— Fatima (@fjaffer99) March 7, 2017
Shows the mentality of IK .. We are ashamed to have a leader like @ImranKhanPTI who don't even how to behave with guests #Phateechar
— Noman Tufail (@iamnomantufail) March 7, 2017
Dear Altaf Hussain we are not missing you anymore as @ImranKhanPTI is providing us entertainment in your absence #Phateechar Leader
— LoKi – #Phateechar (@LokiOddin0x) March 7, 2017
Like really, really angered
A man being considered to lead a country cant use this kind of language.#Phateechar
— Fatima (@fjaffer99) March 7, 2017
abhi b lgta hai k IK PM bnne k kabil h?why we vote him jis bnde ko ba tki tamiz nhn,forget before Part of cric team also he was #Phateechar
— wasim najib khan (@WasimNajib) March 7, 2017
And disappointed
It was wrong at IK's part to use foul language for an international player. Your language reflect who are. #Phateechar
— Yumna Chattha (@YumnaChattha) March 7, 2017
They want Imran Khan to apologize
The bigger thing would be to see and accept your mistake and apologize @ImranKhanPTI
That alone would double your followers. #Phateechar— Adam (@thisisjustadam) March 7, 2017
To everyone who’s thinking of holding a dharna against these racist remarks, here’s something to keep in mind
Guys relax. Imran Khan is doing us a favor. Killing his politics with his own hands. #Phateechar
— Ahsan Mansoor (@ahsanmansoor) March 7, 2017
Cover image: Virendra Singh Gosain/Hindustan Times via Getty Images