Zaka Ashraf Takes A Massive U-Turn After 'Dushman Mulk' Comment, PCB Issues Fresh Statement After Backlash From India

Under-fire Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) president Zaka Ashraf has taken a U-turn on his recent derogatory remark about India. The shocking comment went viral on social media right after India’s warm reception and hospitality for the Pakistan team received praise from all over.

Babar Azam & Co. landed in Hyderabad on Wednesday (September 27) and received a grand welcome at the airport. Hundreds of fans lined up to catch a glimpse of the Pakistan stars and cheered them as they made their way out of the airport to board the bus. The likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi even took to social media to appreciate the welcome.

But on the other side of the border, Zaka Ashraf made a shocking remark about India, calling it a ‘dushman mulk (enemy country)’. While urging the Pakistan fans to support the team during the World Cup, the PCB boss said:

“The morale of the players should be up when they go to an enemy country or where the competition is being held. They should go with full support of the nation so that they can perform well.”

Zaka Ashraf takes a U-turn:

Unsurprisingly, Zaka Ashraf has faced severe criticism for his distasteful remark. At a time when many believe that cricket has the potential to improve the ever-deteriorating relationship between the two countries, Zaka Ashraf’s comment took many by surprise.

And the PCB chief has not taken long to make a U-turn on his comment. In a statement released by the PCB on Friday, Zaka Ashraf altered his position as he appreciated the warm reception given to the Pakistan team by the Indians. He highlighted that the warm welcome shows the mutual affection that exists between the people of both countries for each other’s players.

“Zaka Ashraf personally congratulated the Indians over arranging a reception of this kind. He mentioned that whenever India and Pakistan step onto the cricket field, they emerge as traditional rivals but not as enemies.

“Zaka Ashraf expressed his hope that throughout the entire World Cup, Pakistan cricketers would receive the same warmth, and Indian fans would get to see the best cricket from Pakistan players,” stated the release from the PCB.