File photo of Gautam Gambhir and Wasim Akram
The 2023 Cricket World Cup brought a rare event for fans from India and Pakistan as the two countries faced off against each other on the biggest stage. While Pakistan endured a dismal campaign that saw them succumb in the competition stage itself, India were defeated by Australia in the final. Considering the trend on social media of the two countries’ fans celebrating each other’s defeats, former cricketers Wasim Akram and Gautam Gambhir have urged people to refrain from such acts, even on the internet.
“When I see India and Pakistan celebrating each other’s losses, all I can think of is the sentence: ‘Begaani shaadi mein abdulla deewana‘.”
“I’m not naming anyone, but there are some famous people in both countries who sometimes don’t help the cause. You are patriotic for your country, and we are patriotic for ours. Let’s end it there. Just be kind to each other in a time when everyone is having a hard time. At the end of the day, it’s just a game,” Akram said in a chat on Sportskeeda.
Gambhir, on the other hand, also echoed Akram’s sentiments and said it is strange to see Indians celebrating Pakistan’s losses and vice versa.
“Focus on celebrating your team’s wins instead of reveling in other teams’ losses. There is no point in celebrating the other team’s defeat. When Pakistan loses, people in India are very happy, and the same is true in Pakistan when India suffers a defeat. a very negative attitude. It is important to change this approach, at least in sports.”
“Find joy in your own happiness, not in the sadness of others. What benefit does it bring? An athlete should not think like that. People have started doing such things just to gain traction and followers on social media.”
“India and Pakistan will meet in a few months in the T20 World Cup. You never know; they might also face each other in the final. But it shouldn’t be that people in India are overjoyed when Pakistan loses of a team, or Pakistani fans celebrate when India loses one of their matches. Both teams have their own challenges to deal with,” he pointed out.
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