Sarfaraz Ahmed urges Pakistan fans not to abuse the team
What's the story
The Pakistan cricket team has been under the scanner for not living up to the expectations in the World Cup. Sarfaraz Ahmed's side has not only been criticized by former players and the media back home, but even fans have shown their displeasure on social media platforms. In fact, several fans have been hurling abuses. Here's what the Pakistan skipper said about this situation.
CWC 19
A look at Pakistan's journey in CWC 19
Pakistan faced severe backlash after being outplayed by India at Old Trafford. The side has managed just one win in the tourney so far and need to win all the remaining games to stand an outside chance to qualify for knock-outs. The batting has been off the mark with the middle-order failing to deliver. The fielding as well as bowling has also looked ordinary.
Fans
Pakistani fans crossed the line this time
Pakistani fans back at home and around the world took to social media to vent out their frustration. Players have also been subjected to abuse by fans present in England. This saw Mohammad Amir tweeting about it and urging fans to stick with the side. And then reports came out that Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam were abused and shouted at during lunch on Thursday.
Twitter Post
Amir had urged fans not to use bad words
Pls dont use bad words for the players yes u guys can criticise our performance we will bounce back InshAllah we need ur support 🙏🙏🙏
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) June 17, 2019
Quote
PCB clarifies on the incident surrounding Babar and Imam
Fans who abused the two players said that they responded by pushing them. But the Pakistan board clarified on the same. "There were incidents of players being abused when they went out for lunch and dinner. That is condemnable but Babar and Imam never misbehaved."
Hurt
Such things shouldn't happen, says Sarfaraz
Sarfraz Ahmed was gutted by the reaction of fans towards the players in this low phase. "Players have their personal lives. Whatever they think, they write it on social media. That hurts, too much. Players are affected psychologically. Such things should not happen," said the skipper. Notably, Sarfaraz was abused by a fan while being out with his family at a shopping centre.
Twitter Post
WATCH: Sarfaraz faces the brunt
No manners. No respect. Absolutely disgraceful behaviour. Yes the performances have not been good but the players don't deserve such abuse #CWC19 #Sarfaraz pic.twitter.com/KUilrNis38
— Wali Rehman🇵🇰🇹🇷 (@walirehman903) June 21, 2019
Social media
Social media is not in our control
Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are often the platforms used by disgruntled fans. People often start trolling through these mediums and directly vent out their frustration if things don't go their way. It is a herd mentality that has been seen here. "Social media isn't in our control. They are so big that you cannot stop them," concluded Sarfaraz.