'New Low': Udhayanidhi Calls Out Fans For 'Jai Shri Ram' Slogans At Pakistani Cricketer. BJP Hits Back
Udhayanidhi Stalin condemned actions of fans who chanted slogans of Jai Shri Ram at Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan while BJP said there was no disrespect.
Tamil Nadu sports minister and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday condemned the actions of fans during the India versus Pakistan cricket World Cup match on Saturday. In a purported video being shared online, the fans at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium could be heard chanting slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” as Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan walked upto the dressing room.
“India is renowned for its sportsmanship and hospitality. However, the treatment meted out to Pakistan players at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is unacceptable and a new low,” Stalin said in a post on X. “Sports should be a unifying force between countries, fostering true brotherhood. Using it as a tool to spread hatred is condemnable,” he added.
India is renowned for its sportsmanship and hospitality. However, the treatment meted out to Pakistan players at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is unacceptable and a new low. Sports should be a unifying force between countries, fostering true brotherhood. Using it as a tool… pic.twitter.com/MJnPJsERyK
— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) October 14, 2023
Rizwan was returning to the dressing room after scoring 69 runs in 49 balls when the fans started chanting slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” at him.
Earlier during the match, the Pakistani skipper had to also endure unruly behaviour by the spectators as some fans booed at him for his speech after the toss.
BJP Hits Back With Sanatan Dharma Jibe
Meanwhile the Bharatiya Janata Party hit back at Udhayanidhi for his condemnation with the Sanatan Dharma jibe, adding India has always given utmost respect and honour to the Pakistan players. Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai said, "If he says sports should be seen as sports, he should see dharma as dharma, why did he say he will annihilate Santana Dharma?"
He said he did not see the gesture of fans at Ahmedabad as a disrespect to the player.
“Chennai gave a standing ovation when Pakistan won the test match by 13 runs. The Pakistan team played the last two matches in Hyderabad before this and they were very much welcomed by the fans. Even yesterday, in Ahmedabad, fans who respected the Pakistan team were present,” he said.
“When a Pakistan player crossed, fans chanted 'Jai Sri Ram', I don’t see this as disrespect. Keeping away from the party lines games should be seen as games. Emotions might come and Udhayanidhi Stalin doesn’t have the audacity to say this,” he added.
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