'Please leave the team'; Two most hated players by Pakistani fans right now

LAHORE: The deteriorating relations between India and Pakistan have affected cricket, too. The two teams currently face each other in cricket only in ICC and ACC (Asian Cricket Council) tournaments. The terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, and India's response to it through Operation Sindoor have dented relations to a large extent. India won all four matches they faced against Pakistan after Operation Sindoor.

In cricket, it is customary for the captains of two teams to exchange social pleasantries before and after the match. But in India-Pakistan matches, this is not followed. The players avoid any friendly display while entering the field. This is the newly set norm after the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam. Prominent people, including journalists, have vehemently criticised this and asked the hate not to be put on display in sports.

With the continuous defeats against arch-rivals India, cricket fans in Pakistan have developed massive hate against their former captain, Babar Azam. Fans criticised his poor form and demanded that the former world number one not be included in future games. Many criticised Babar for not being a team player, who they said was just keen on embellishing his personal stats as a player. The 'cry' for Babar to be removed from the team is strong.

Legendary cricketer Wasim Akram is another player who has been at the receiving end of hate from Pakistani fans. Akram recently hugged and wished former Indian captain Rohit Sharma at the World Cup stands. Fans found Akram’s act of bonhomie deplorable, considering the current rupture in the diplomacy with India and at a time when no Indian players have shown the 'niceties' for a handshake on the field.