Irfan Pathan Advises Sportspersons To Take A Stand Concerning Issues Plaguing The Society

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan is one of the rarest person associated with sports to speak openly about social issues. The cricketer-turned-commentator never shies away from taking a stand and believes that more famous people connected with professional sports must do the same. Irfan Pathan engaged in an Instagram session with Raunak Kapoor and spoke about it in detail.

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According to the former left-arm seamer, cricketers hardly come forward in public and explicitly speak about the problems plaguing our country. Having the reputation of fearlessly expressing his opinions, Irfan has faced backlash on social media as well. Nevertheless, the same hasn’t stopped him from doing so.

The 35-year-old opines that if sportspeople reveal their stand on specific issues lingering in our country, it would only take the team forward. However, Irfan Pathan maintains they don’t do it as it affects their job position and eventually feel insecure. He believes that one must practice what they preach and simply praising the country wouldn’t help.

“Ideally, if cricketers or sports stars can come out and talk about issues plaguing society, then it will only take the country forward. But simply saying “hamara desh mahan hai” won’t help. We need to walk the talk.

If you ask why others don’t talk about sensitive issues, then I feel they have insecurities. For example, a commentator ends up losing his job for praising the opposition because a film star tweets against him. These are insecurities. So, if we can assure them security then they will come out and talk.”

You can only build your image on social media if you have a thick skin and are real: Irfan Pathan

The Baroda cricketer went on to cite the example of nationwide protests CAA-NRC that took centre stage at the Jamia Millia Islamia University. Pathan admitted that he churned out plenty of information about it before expressing concerns about it. Hence, the veteran feels that one has to be bold and real to hold your own in social media. Indian captain Virat Kohli was also asked to present his views on the CAA-NRC concerns; however, he evaded the question.

“You can only build your image on social media if you have a thick skin and are real. As a social influencer and a person who has represented India at the highest level, I will always speak of unity. I try to keep my life private but bring my thoughts to the people so that my country can benefit from it.

For example, when I had tweeted about the Jamia, I read and re-read, thought about it, and spoke to students as well before coming out and expressing concern about it,” Irfan Pathan said.

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