In a surprising turn of events, Star Sports’ promotional campaign for the upcoming World Cup has stirred up a storm of controversy. The bone of contention? None other than the absence of Pakistan players in their star-studded lineup. With prominent names like Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz notably missing from the promotional materials, it’s no wonder that cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan are feeling left out and disgruntled.
The Star Sports promo, which has been making waves in the cricketing world, features an impressive roster of all-rounders who are expected to shine in the World Cup. Among the notable names are Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Shakib Al Hasan, Mitch Marsh, and Glenn Maxwell. These players, known for their extraordinary skills with both bat and ball, have rightly earned their place in the spotlight.
However, what has sparked outrage among Pakistan cricket fans is the conspicuous absence of any players from their country. The omission of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, who have been instrumental in Pakistan‘s recent successes, has not gone unnoticed. Pakistani cricket enthusiasts, known for their unwavering passion for the sport, have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration.
To add fuel to the fire, it’s essential to understand the complex relationship between cricket and diplomacy, particularly in the context of India and Pakistan. The two cricketing giants have not engaged in any bilateral series for years due to political tensions, with matches between them becoming sporadic and reserved for major tournaments.
The discontentment among Pakistani fans can also be traced back to the recent controversy surrounding the Asia Cup 2023. Pakistan was originally slated to host the tournament, but due to security concerns and political unrest, India expressed reservations about playing in Pakistan. Consequently, the tournament was moved to Sri Lanka.
“No Shadab No Nawaz” In ICC’s Best All-Rounders List For World Cup 2023
One of the major factors contributing to the absence of the India-Pakistan bilateral series is India’s stance on cross-border terrorism. The Indian Cricket Board has consistently maintained that they will not engage in cricketing ties with Pakistan until cross-border terrorism is brought under control. This firm stance has effectively halted the traditional cricketing rivalry between the two nations.
While the absence of India-Pakistan cricketing encounters is a significant loss for cricket enthusiasts on both sides of the border, it has also spilt over into other aspects of the sport. The exclusion of Pakistan players from promotional campaigns, such as the one by Star Sports, is a clear reflection of the strained cricketing relations between the two nations.
The Star Sports promotional campaign for all-rounders in the World Cup has inadvertently brought the long-standing India-Pakistan cricketing rivalry back into the spotlight. The absence of Pakistan players in the promo has disappointed fans and highlighted the diplomatic tensions that have plagued cricketing relations between the two nations.
While the omission of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz from the promotional material may seem like a minor issue in the grand scheme of things, it serves as a stark reminder of the broader challenges that cricket faces in the geopolitical landscape of South Asia.
Star Sports’ promo for all-rounders in the World Cup has no Pakistan player. No Shadab and No Nawaz 👀
They have added Ravi Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Shakib Al Hasan, Mitch Marsh and Glenn Maxwell lekin Pakistan se kisi ko nahin lia. Ajeeb! #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/Nh3JWOm2Rk
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) September 22, 2023
