ICC shuts down Indian journalist criticising Muhammad Rizwan’s Gaza tweet

After the match against Sri Lanka, Mohammad Rizwan issued a statement on social media, stating, “This victory is for our brothers and sisters in Gaza,” along with a prayer emoji.

This was for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. 🤲🏼

Happy to contribute in the win. Credits to the whole team and especially Abdullah Shafique and Hassan Ali for making it easier.

Extremely grateful to the people of Hyderabad for the amazing hospitality and support throughout.

— Muhammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) October 11, 2023

Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta did not like Rizwan’s tweet and he questioned the ICC. Vikrant Gupta shared Rizwan’s statement on social media and wrote, “Isn’t cricketers banned from making political and religious statements during ICC events? I remember Mahendra Singh Dhoni was asked to remove the Army emblem from his gloves during the 2019 World Cup.”

He asked the ICC whether Rizwan was allowed to say what he did.

Is this allowed @ICC ? I remember Dhoni was asked to remove the Army insignia from his gloves during the World Cup 2019
Aren’t cricketers prohibited from making political and religious statements during ICC events? https://t.co/3k5uKf4mXH

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) October 11, 2023

ICC shut down his question with a simple reply: “It is outside the field of play and the jurisdiction of the ICC. It is up to the individual and their board how they want to use their individual platforms,” the ICC wrote.

The @ICC says it’s from outside the field of play, not within their domain.
Up to the individual and his cricket board https://t.co/5nc5Fai8eX

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) October 11, 2023

It is also worth mentioning here that while many Indian users, including Indian journalists, criticized Rizwan, Pakistani fans appreciated Rizwan’s tweet..

Here are fan reactions on X:

don’t be a snitch. Nothing worse. Did his tweet really hurt you that much? Strange🤷‍♂️

— Haroon (@hazharoon) October 11, 2023

Sir we respect you par har ksi ka apna opinion hota ha to ap ICC k abu na banein or na hi Rizi bhai k. Unhoon ne bhi kbi apki bat pe kha ha ke ye banda mra bary me ku tweet kr raha. Koi humanity b hoti ha insan me but asal bat ye ha wo ap me nai so kam se kam rakehin Shukria!

— Wasim Sarwar (@MuhammadWa97681) October 12, 2023

This is neither religious nor political.
It's about Humanity

— The Intel Consortium (@IntelPk_) October 11, 2023

Gupta ji, sportsmen are allowed to have opinions. Let's not turn everything into an issue.

— Absa Komal (@AbsaKomal) October 11, 2023

If he was praying for Israel instead you would’ve made it your header.

— 🕷 Childish Ghambino 🍉 (@Sarkhail7Khan) October 11, 2023

He came to the field he chased the target, make a ton and went home , he's free there to do anything .. What about BCCI player jadeja participating and campaigning for parliament seat for his BJP wife while BCCI chairman is BJP's top leader's son? Is it allowed?

— AbDullah (@AbDmeHar0099o) October 11, 2023

Can you guys not go a single day without spreading hatred against other people?

— Prince 🇮🇪 (@AzzyShahzzy) October 11, 2023