In Reply To PCB's Complaints, Irfan Pathan Recalls Memory Of Fan Throwing A Nail At Him In Peshawar

Following their embarrassing seven-wicket defeat to India in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, things have only gotten more heated between both sides, and the tensions spilt over off the field.

Following the much-anticipated encounter, which took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a complaint to the ICC, alleging inappropriate conduct aimed at Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who was booed by fans gathered at the venue.

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But, it did not just stop there. In fact, the PCB have also lodged a complaint against BCCI over the delay of visas provided to Pakistan journalists, and the ‘absence’ of visa policy for Pakistan fans.

In the midst of all the ruckus, former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan took to the media to share his two cents on the situation, stating that he believes that PCB should stop trying to curb or raise issues over “crowd behaviour”, and recalled a similar incident he faced when he went to play in Peshawar early in his career.

“We were playing a game in Peshawar, a fan suddenly threw an iron nail at me which struck under my eye. We never made an issue out of that and always appreciated their hospitality. Pakistan should stop making issues on crowd behaviour in India,” shared Pathan whilst speaking on Star Sports.

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He also substantiated his claims by providing proof on social media, as Pathan took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to post screenshots of headlines from back in the day to add validity to the story he said.

He also wrote, “I m still saying it happens. There were many good fans were there who chanted Balaji Zara dheere chalo with love before this trip. But this incident happened too. we moved on and focused on winning rather than crying about it.”

And that is exactly what both teams would be aiming to do as India maintain an undefeated streak and are right behind table leaders New Zealand, while Pakistan will be facing off against Australia in a must-win encounter for both sides to keep their World Cup hopes alive.