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In a surprising turn of events, social media was set ablaze with controversy after Pakistan’s opener, Imam-ul-Haq, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Indian cricketer Sarfaraz Khan on earning his maiden call-u𝕴p to the Indian Test team. The congratulatory tweet, seemingly innocent at first, triggered a wave of reactions from fans across borders, underlining the intense rivalry that exists not only on the cricket field but also i🏅n the broader political spectrum.
Sarfaraz Khan’s well-deserved call-up
Sarfaraz, the Mumbai-based batter, had reason to celebrate as he received his first-ever call-up to the Indian Test team on Monday (January 29). The selection was a result of his consistent performances in the domestic circuit, particularly standing out during India A‘s clash against England Lions. His inclusion became even more special as it filled the void left by injuries to experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul.
Fan jubilation and widespread recognition
Indian cricket fans, long awaiting Sarfaraz’s call-up, erupted in joy at the news. The elation was shared on social media platforms, with fans expressing their happiness and sending best wishes to the deserving cricketer. The joyous occasion, however, took an unexpected turn when Imam, a Pakistani cricketer, extended his congratulations through a tweet.
Imam-ul-Haq’s controversial tweet
Imam took to Twitter to convey his happiness for Sarfaraz’s achievement, writing, “Congratulations brother. So Happy for you,” accompanied by two hearts and a picture of Sarfaraz. While this gesture might have seemed like✱ a genuine display of sportsmanship, it quickly became the focal point of a heated social media 🐽debate.
Congratulations brother So Happy for you ❤️❤️
— Imam Ul Haq (@ImamUlHaq12)
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Mixed reactions and cross-border tensions
The tweet from Imam went viral, provoking mixed reactions from cricket fans on b✅oth sides of the India-Pakistan rivalry. S♛ome lauded the sportsmanship displayed by the Pakistani cricketer, appreciating the camaraderie that transcends borders. However, a significant portion questioned the motives behind the tweet, speculating whether it was influenced by political undertones aimed at sparking tensions between the two nations.
Social media outrage
Many fans from Pakistan expressed outrage at Imam’s gesture, urging him to focus on his own form rather than extending goodwill to players from rival nations.
Here’s how netizens reacted
Stick to your own country Mr. Protein Shake.
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183)
Why are these Pa🃏kistanis so fixated on Indians? He deliberately posted this to stir up hate aꦓgainst Sarfaraz.
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_)
For those who say he twe♓eted because they both have played in u19 wc in 2014 are proper dumb. Bhai iyer, kuldeep, avesh, deepak hooda, sanju. All these also played in the same year but he only tweeted about sarfu. We know what his intentions are . Bhadwa sala
— Ayush Srivastava (@sriman_ayush)
Iski zarort nhe thi wesy
— Urooj Jawed🇵🇰 (@uroojjawed12)
Fitness nh ha performance to ha na, tm se to ab perform b nh h🌳o raha
— Kainat 🌙 (@notyour_kainat3)
Dropped from the team himself. Congratulating Indian player. Bhai tu apni fi🐠kar karo. The most boring player of all time. B🉐ores for nothing. When we need you to stay out there then plays like if you gonna send the ball into space. Like coming out after Lyon.
— saadjan000@gmail.com (@saadjan000)
Unlike Pakistan.. India is not a Parchi country. In India players are selected on the basis of meriꦑts and not on the basis of bhat🐬ija,friends or religion.
Reply ✤to the context of y💙our tweet : We have many Muslim’s playing in Indian team currently like Shami, Siraj, Umran, Avesh
— Rainbow Salt (@Rainbowsalts91)
Only fools can't guess the intention
— Rohit (@Viratdhonism)
But Why this parchi tweeting for him.
I thought it's a parody. But, damn !!
It's him only 😱😱
Inke paas koi kaam dhandha nahi hai kya ???— Visheshta Jotwaniii (@vishhhiiiii)
Dont try to play religious card over here.
keep this with ur team only— Anand Luhar (@anand_luhar)
