ICC World Cup 2019 | Not in our hands to control what people say about us, says Sarfraz Ahmed
Sarfraz Ahmed reckons that the modern players have no control over all the negative hate that is generated against them by the media and critics on a regular basis. The Pakistan skipper is insistent that he is okay with being criticized but not being abused by fans back home.
The Pakistan cricket team ended their ICC World Cup 2019 campaign in heartbreak after failing to secure a spot in the last four despite winning their final few matches. After just one win from five games, the Pakistan squad were subjected to a lot of hate-fuelled criticism at the hands of fans and critics back home.
Even one fan heckled him in a mall in England, and was seen calling him a "fat pig". That affected Sarfaraz deeply and after going on to win all four of their matches in the group stage, he was quick to lash out at all their doubters.
“I can’t say anything on this. It’s not in our hands to control what people say about us. Winning and losing is part of the game and it’s not that we are the first team to have lost a match; previous teams also have faced defeats.
“Had earlier teams faced the kind of criticism that we are facing, they would have realised how much these things hurt us. Now, there is social media. People write, comment and say whatever they like. These incidents affect the psychology of the players,” Sarfaraz was quoted as saying after Pakistan registered a win over South Africa in London.
Ahmed, who has represented Pakistan in 114 ODIs, further added that all the hate had taken a toll on his wife too. The 32-year-old explained that he has no qualms about being criticized but doesn't like being abused by fans.
“I remember going into my room and my wife, Khushbakht, was crying watching the video. I told her it is just a video and we have to bear with it because our cricket fans are very emotional.
“While criticising, one must not abuse. Criticise us on our cricket but don’t get abusive with us,” Ahmed was quoted as saying by the ‘Jang’ newspaper on Thursday.
Cricket FootBall Kabaddi
Basketball Hockey
SportsCafe
