Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Rizwan dedicated his century in the World Cup 2023 match against Sri Lanka on Tuesday to ‘brothers and sisters in Gaza,’ referring to the ongoing crisis between Israel and Hamas. Pakistan successfully chased down a target of 345 runs against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad on Tuesday. This victory was largely due to the outstanding performances of Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique. Rizwan scored 131 runs off 121 deliveries.
Mohammad Rizwan wrote on X, “This was for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. Happy to contribute in the win. Credits to the whole team and especially Abdullah Shafique and Hassan Ali for making it easier. Extremely grateful to the people of Hyderabad for the amazing hospitality and support throughout.”
This was for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. 🤲🏼
Happy to contribute in the win. Credits to the whole team and especially Abdullah Shafique and Hassan Ali for making it easier.
Extremely grateful to the people of Hyderabad for the amazing hospitality and support throughout.
— Muhammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) October 11, 2023
Rizwan’s statement sparked a mixed reaction on social media, with some users suggesting that he should focus solely on cricket and avoid commenting on global politics. Others praised him for using his platform to raise awareness of the suffering in Gaza.
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One user replied, “How will a century or a win help them in Gaza? Instead, you and the entire Pak team should donate all kinds of earnings, whether it’s match fees, awards, endorsements, etc., from the World Cup to Palestinians. That would be genuine assistance. Otherwise, this tweet is just hogwash.”
Another wrote in Hindi, “This means that by Pakistan’s win in one cricket match, Gaza will defeat Israel in the war?”
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Similarly, another user accused Rizwan of not speaking up about Hamas’ attack on Israel, saying, “You didn’t utter a single word when Israel was attacked and so many lost their lives?? Shame on you for this tweet.”
@AmitShah @AmitShahOffice this is a serious matter.@icc
— Makarand Waingankar (@wmakarand) October 11, 2023
How will a century or a win help them in Gaza? Instead, you and entire Pak team should donate all kinds of earnings, whether it’s match fees, awards, endorsements, etc., from the World Cup to Palestinians. That would be genuine assistance. Otherwise this tweet is just hogwash.
— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) October 11, 2023
Imagine if something similar is tweeted from any other Indian player and for Kashmiri Hindus.
— Rudra 🚩 (@rudrastics) October 11, 2023
And how is your century gonna help them?
And can you clarify that you support people of Gaza only or the Hamas militants also?
— pawan yadav (@pawanyadav8) October 11, 2023
Isko india se direct Gaza bhejo.. N yes #PKMKB is forever.
— Crime Master Gogo (PARODY) 🇮🇳 (@vipul2777) October 11, 2023
#MohammadRizwan dedicated his yesterday’s century to people of Gaza 🤦. Is it allowed speaking on political issue while you are playing ICC tournament @ICC ? Such a great player he is but always brings his religion in Cricket 🤦🤦#INDvsAFG #ICCWorldCup2023 #ViratKohli𓃵…
— CricWiz (@CricWizTalks) October 11, 2023
The war between Israel and Hamas terrorists entered its fifth day on Wednesday. The combined death toll from Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Israel and the retaliatory air raids in Gaza has crossed 3,000. Israel is preparing to escalate the attack by launching a ground offensive in Gaza, along with continuing air raids. The Israeli Army is mobilizing its members in southern Israel, and more members of the reserve forces have also been called in, along with heavy military equipment.
