Naumaan Ijaz’s take on cricket team criticism ignites debate

In yet another thrilling Pakistan-India match, Pakistan faced defeat, sparking backlash from fans. However, some defended the team, including Pakistani actor Naumaan Ijaz.

During the eagerly awaited ICC match in Dubai, expectations were high for Pakistan. The crowd buzzed with excitement, and a multitude of celebrities were present to support the team. Yet, as the last ball was bowled and the final score confirmed Pakistan’s loss, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.

Frustrated fans took to social media, flooding their feeds with memes, critiques, and outright mockery of the team's performance. Specific players were targeted, and doubts were cast over the team’s tactics, leading to a wave of harsh reactions.

Amid this surge of anger, seasoned actor Naumaan Ijaz chose to steer the discussion in a different direction.

Taking to Instagram, he posted a striking message “11 players ko zaleel karne se pehle koi yeh bataye ke baaqi idaron aur 26 crore ki awaam ne Pakistan ki izzat barhane ke liye kya kaam kiya hai?” (Before humiliating the 11 [team] players, can anyone tell what the other institutions and a population of 260 million have done to elevate Pakistan’s honour?)

His comments struck a chord, sparking an immediate outpouring of mixed reactions on social media. Some wholeheartedly agreed with his viewpoint, arguing that a country’s achievements are not solely tied to its cricket team. One user wrote, “You’re speaking the truth! We can’t place the burden of everything solely on cricketers.”

Conversely, others were less forgiving. Many emphasised that cricket in Pakistan is more than just a sport; it’s a matter of national pride. Given the resources and privileges afforded to players, they argued that accountability is justified.

One critic remarked, “We contribute taxes so they can enjoy a lavish lifestyle. Numerous deserving players never make the cut due to the ‘parchee’ system, while those who do often leave us disappointed.”