New Delhi: A huge controversy erupted after Pakistan cricket team decided to hoist its national flag at the Mirpur ground in Bangladesh during a practice session ahead of the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh on Tuesday. Pakistan cricket team management has now issued clarification to clear the air over the controversy. They said that coach Saqlain Mushtaq had started the practice to plant the national flag during practice sessions to boost the confidence of players.
Many Bangladeshi fans called the move a political message ahead of the golden jubilee celebrations of their country's independence. The media manager of the Pakistan team in Bangladesh has now issued a clarification. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), however, did not make any comment on the issue.
"(Pakistan) coach Saqlain Mushtaq launched the practice to boost the team's morale, visiting team manager Ibrahim Badizi told the BBC Bangla Service, PTI reported.
Interacting with the press ahead of Pakistan vs Bangladesh 1st T20I, Pakistan captain Azam praised Pakistani fans in Bangladesh for motivating the Men in Green.
"They not only support their team but they also cheer us up. Whenever we have gone out for training the people cheer us when they see us in the bus. That is why it's good that 50 per cent of spectators have been allowed for our T20 series," Azam added.
Bangladesh vs Pakistan 1st T20I will be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium of Dhaka on Friday.
Pakistan’s 12-man squad for PAK vs BAN 1st T20I: Babar Azam (C), Shadab Khan (VC), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Shoaib Malik, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.