Dear Rashid Bhai (in the true sense of the word),
As someone who played with distinction for his country more than 200 times, we expect you to be a proud Pakistani. Now, it turns out – or, at least, according to a video going viral on social media – that your heart beats for India as well. “Leaving the country doesn’t mean we’ll forget the people,” you said, referencing your father’s decision to move to Karachi in the 1950s. “Our colour will still remain blue, won’t it? One of my brothers lives in Sultanpur, and 90 per cent of my family resides there too. The British didn’t name Uttar Pradesh the ‘Upper Province’ without reason.”
By the way, they never did name it Upper Province. It was called the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. But never let fact come in the way of a good story. However, since you’ve been batting for Pakistan to host the 2025 Champions Trophy on the basis of a ‘partnership model’ which will then be implemented for future ICC events to be held in India, let’s look at a few other uncomfortable truths.
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You speak of your family living in modern-day UP. Would they still be there in such numbers if they didn’t feel safe? Your half-brother worked for a newspaper in Kolkata. Both these facts, which you yourself would attest to, suggest that they feel safe in India. But let’s leave them out of it. Every year, dozens of overseas cricketers come to India for the Indian Premier League (IPL) and various bilateral series. Can you point to one instance of someone saying they felt unsafe? Why then would a hybrid or partnership model be needed for India to host international events?
Let’s look at the flip side. On Dr Nauman Niaz’s Caught Behind show, you can be heard saying: “What do you think? Whom are you messing with? We live near Bhai’s house.” Now, unless Pakistan has taken to sheltering other Indian underworld dons as well, the Bhai you speak of is India’s most wanted criminal who has never been brought to justice for his role in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.
For the benefit of the rest of the world, kindly tell us how we’re supposed to view Pakistan as a ‘safe’ country when it gives shelter to such human scum? We won’t even get started on Osama bin Laden.
Stay well, Rashid Bhai, and next time you try to bowl a bouncer, make sure you don’t pitch it on your own toe.
Also Read: Champions Trophy: BCCI to refuse PCB’s partnership model for future ICC events