The Afghanistan cricket team led by Mohammad Nabi was defeated by Pakistan in the 24th match of the T20 World Cup 2021. It was Pakistan’s 3rd win in the row. While the Pakistani team is being praised for their complete performance, on the other hand, the skipper of the Afghanistan cricket team has hogged all the limelight for elegantly shutting down a journalist.
A lot has changed in Afghanistan over the last few months, with the Taliban overthrowing the existing government in the country. After the match, a journalist tried to persuade Nabi to answer his questions regarding the situation.
Well, after getting thrashed by Pakistan in the match, Nabi was attending the post-match press conference at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, when he was asked a controversial question. He was asked questions surrounding the political turmoil in the country.
He was also asked if strong relations with Pakistan will help Afghanistan cricket grow further in the future. The journalist asked:
“Afghanistan have played very well and they have won two matches. Is there any kind of fears that when you return home, you will be questioned as the government and situation have changed?”
“In this new era, Afghanistan share a healthy relation with Pakistan. Do you feel that the Afghan team will be strengthened because of this?” the journalist questioned further.
Nabi was left bemused with the question, but he showed a lot of calmness and asked the journalist to stick to cricket-based questions. He replied: “Can we talk about cricket leaving aside the situation? It would be better if we talk about cricket. We are here for the World Cup after taking proper preparations. So, you may ask any questions related to cricket.”
However, despite Nabi not wanting to answer the question, the journalist kept asking and urging him. But Nabi retorted saying it isn’t a cricket-related question. Soon the reporter’s query was shut down by the moderator and the press conference moved forward.
The video of the incident has been going viral on the internet. Here, watch the video:
Whoever this journalist is a disgrace to journalism and cricket – and all respect for Muhammad Nabi for handling the situation gracefully. Respect and love ? pic.twitter.com/ICpCQV3hjs
— Shiraz Hassan (@ShirazHassan) October 29, 2021
Here, check out the reactions of Twitterati on this:
Kaun log hain yeh ??
so much respect for @MohammadNabi007 for handling it gracefully
— Munazza Anwaar (@munazzaanwaar) October 29, 2021
so much respect for 
This was patwari journalist I guess sent by miss maryam.
— Pakistan 1st ?? (@farazahmed__) October 29, 2021
brilliantly handled @MohammadNabi007 . These journalists just want to sensationalize everything. Just like what Virat said, they only want headlines and controversies.
— Unnati Madan (@unnati_madan) October 29, 2021
Pakistani Journalists MashaAllah
— Azhar Mashwani (@MashwaniAzhar) October 29, 2021
Journalist k naam pe Kalank hai ye.
Cricket ko cricket jagah pe rakho.Political issue Cricket k ander mat laoo.— DIVYARANJAN SAMAL (@LoyalFanOfSKY77) October 30, 2021
Exactly how Pakistani men continue harassing/talking after you clearly say NO to them!
— Meena Gabeena (@gabeenaa) October 30, 2021
Pakistan journalists, now bringin int’l shame too, pehle dawn news walas and geo news walas bringing it home now this, haha
— Abdul Rauf (@roofiabdul1) October 29, 2021
Best reply @MohammadNabi007 ? Journalists has to stop linking sports to relationships between two nations. Such questions not only soar the entertainment of a sport, it also snubs athlete’s hardwork.
— Zainab Khan (@zainabrababkhan) October 30, 2021
Sarai tatty questions hamarai journalist hi pochtai hyn shayad .. seriously these guys needs to learn the art of journalism ..
— Arsalan Hussain Khan (@Arsalan_HKhan) October 30, 2021
What a ridiculous question to ask! Thank you Nabi for handling it with grace.
— Wajiha Ather Naqvi (@tribalgulabo) October 29, 2021
it was a very stupid question. unnecessary and unrelated.
very good answer by Afghan skipper. play cricket, ask cricket, watch cricket, that’s it— Nasir Ayub Khan (@regata4) October 29, 2021
