'PCB chief refers us as Dushman Mulk and they expect love for their hate': Virender Sehwag takes on critics

Former Indian cricket team opener Virender Sehwag took to social media platform X to defend his earlier post where he said "Pakistan Zindabhaag! Have a safe flight back home" after Babar Azam's men were all but out of the World Cup. The former India cricketer compared India's performance in World Cups vs that of Pakistan. "In the 21st century there have been 6 ODI world cups. In 6 attempts, only once in 2007 did we not qualify for the semi-finals and have qualified in 5 of the last 6 World cups. On the other hand only once have Pakistan qualified for the semis in 6 attempts in 2011." Sehwag said, referring to "ridiculous allegations blaming ICC and BCCI of changing balls and pitch ."

"Their Prime Minister mocks us when we lose to another team despite having beaten them. Upon reaching here , their player posts pictures of enjoying tea in Hyderabad with sarcasm to mock our soldier. The PCB chief on camera refers to our country as Dushman Mulk," Sehwag said further.

Ahead of the World Cup, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf had sparked a controversy when he referred to India as 'Dushman Mulk' or enemy state in an interaction with reporters.


In another controversy, former Pakistan batter Hasan Raza had alleged that ICC provided 'different ball' to India bowlers at the World Cup, a comment that drew sharp criticism even from former cricketers. Raza's comments came after the India pacers demolished Sri Lanka for a seventh straight win at the ongoing ODI World Cup.



"And they expect love for their hate. And those preaching class, that is a two way street. Jo Achha vyavhar kare uske saath hum bahut hi achhe, aur jo aisa vyavhar kare toh sahi mauke par soot samet lautana is my way. On field bhi, off-field bhi," he added.

Meanwhile, Geo News citing sources said that Pakistan skipper Babar Azam is likely to step down from the white-ball cricket captaincy after returning from India. Ahead of Pakistan's final group stage clash against England, Babar was asked about when he would take a decision on his captaincy during the pre-match press conference on Friday, to which he replied, "About the captaincy--as I said, once we go back to Pakistan or after this match, we will see what happens. But right now, I am not focusing on this; my focus is on the next match."

He also denied that captaincy has affected his form in the World Cup, as he has struggled to put runs on the board.