Lancashire County Cricket Club has launched an investigation after a video showing a Pakistani cricket fan being asked to cover his national team jersey during the fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford went viral on social media. 

 

The fan, identified as Farooq Nazar, posted the video online. He can be seen wearing a green Pakistan team T-shirt while seated in the stadium when a security steward says he was instructed by the control room to ask the fan to cover his shirt. Later in the clip, another steward refers to the shirt as “nationalistic” and insists it be concealed.

 

The incident quickly sparked controversy online, drawing attention to issues of discrimination and freedom of expression in sports venues. Visibly frustrated, Nazar is seen questioning the repeated requests and is eventually approached by a police officer who asks him to step out of the stands. Reports suggest Nazar chose to leave the stadium rather than cover his shirt.

 

While it remains unclear on which day of the five-day Test the incident occurred, Lancashire has acknowledged that it did take place and confirmed that a formal inquiry is underway.

 

“We are aware of the incident and are taking steps to fully understand all the circumstances and context,” a club spokesperson told to ESPNcricinfo.

 

The controversy comes amid heightened political tensions between India and Pakistan, following recent border skirmishes in June. 

 

The strained relations between the two countries have also impacted cricketing ties, with no bilateral series played between them since 2012–13 and no Test series since 2007–08.

 

Even in ICC events, matches between India and Pakistan are often held at neutral venues to avoid hosting disputes. 

 

Meanwhile, Lancashire has been working to strengthen its commercial links with India in recent years. Manchester Originals, the club’s Hundred team, reportedly channels 70 percent of its revenue to Indian businessman Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG Group, which also owns the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.

 

Lancashire CEO Daniel Gidney has previously expressed interest in involving the BCCI in The Hundred competition as a potential stakeholder.

 

The incident is now being viewed as another example of how political sensitivities can influence fan experiences at international sporting events. The club's investigation is expected to address growing concerns over whether fans should face restrictions for simply showing support for their home country.