In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, both sides are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to gain international support. This global divide in opinions is evident, with some sympathizing with the Palestinians and others speaking up for Israel. The tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict have also made their way into the World Cup 2023, held in India. Just recently, Pakistan’s wicket-keeper, Mohammad Rizwan, dedicated his team’s historic victory against Sri Lanka to the “brothers and sisters in Gaza.” However, following Pakistan’s disappointing defeat to India, Israel responded with a strong message, albeit through Twitter.
Israel’s official Twitter handle released a statement expressing their appreciation for India’s support. They stated, “We were deeply moved by our Indian friends’ display of solidarity with Israel. We are delighted that India emerged victorious in the #INDvsPAK match at #CWC23, and that Pakistan could not attribute their victory to the terrorists of #Hamas.”
It is worth noting that Mohammad Rizwan faced significant backlash during the World Cup 2023. During the India vs. Pakistan match, he was seen offering namaz while batting. The Indian crowd responded with the chant of ‘Jai Shree Ram’ as he walked back to the pavilion after getting out.
In the India vs. Pakistan match held in Ahmedabad on Saturday, the host team proved to be far superior. Led by the exceptional performances of Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, India managed to restrict Pakistan to a mere 191 runs. In response, Rohit Sharma played a magnificent inning, scoring 86 runs, and India successfully achieved the target in just 35 overs. Shreyas Iyer also made a significant contribution, scoring a half-century and helping India secure the top position on the points table.
Israel Stands With Indian Team After Muhammad Rizwan’s Tweet Over Gaza
Mohammad Rizwan’s dedication of Pakistan’s victory against Sri Lanka to the “brothers and sisters in Gaza” was a clear manifestation of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. It’s not the first time that a sports figure has used their platform to highlight a political issue. Athletes around the world have often done the same, whether by raising fists in support of civil rights or wearing slogans on their jerseys.
The much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan match witnessed a politically charged response from the Indian crowd. Chanting ‘Jai Shree Ram,’ a popular Hindu slogan, as Mohammad Rizwan returned to the pavilion was a visible display of support for Israel and a counter to Pakistan’s expression of solidarity with Palestine.
This was for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. 🤲🏼
Happy to contribute in the win. Credits to the whole team and especially Abdullah Shafique and Hassan Ali for making it easier.
Extremely grateful to the people of Hyderabad for the amazing hospitality and support throughout.
— Muhammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) October 11, 2023
We were really moved by Indian friends showing their solidarity with Israel 🇮🇱
We are happy that India🇮🇳emerged victorious in the #INDvsPAK match at #CWC23 and that Pakistan was unable to attribute its victory to the terrorists of #Hamas. https://t.co/tvgYATe0Af
— Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) October 15, 2023
