Cricket enthusiasts are in a frenzy as Australia and Pakistan clash at the historic Chinnaswami Stadium in Bengaluru. Amidst the electric atmosphere in the stadium, an unforeseen incident has captivated the crowd and ignited a buzz on social media.
Amidst the intense battle, fervent Indian cricket fans unfurled a distinctive banner within the stadium. This banner featured Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket sensation, playfully holding Babar Azam, the Pakistani cricket star, on his lap.
The inscription on the banner humorously stated, ‘Bap Hamesha Bap hi hoga’ (A father will always be a father). This cheeky representation was a direct reference to Babar Azam, who had previously acknowledged Kohli as the “King” and himself as Kohli’s “son.”
This provocative banner generated a significant stir within the stadium. While some found it lighthearted and entertaining, others perceived it as a deliberate effort to taunt and undermine Babar Azam. The banner not only alluded to the competitive spirit of cricket but also underscored the rivalry between the two cricketing powerhouses, India and Pakistan.
This incident did not escape the notice of Pakistani journalist Farid Khan, who took to Twitter to express his displeasure.
He tweeted,
“How did they let this man bring this poster inside the stadium? This is ridiculous! Where are @BCCI and @ICC? @TheRealPCB should take action 👎👎👎 #CWC23 #PAKvsAUS.”
https://x.com/_FaridKhan/status/1715388081384382796?s=20
Farid Khan’s tweet escalated the controversy, drawing reactions from fans and media outlets on both sides of the border. It was a moment that epitomized the fervent emotions and the dedicated fan base that cricket commands in the subcontinent.
This incident underscores the exceptional and frequently intense character of cricketing rivalries, particularly in matches involving India and Pakistan. The historical, cultural, and political foundations of this rivalry render each encounter between these two teams a passionately charged occasion.