Twitter Reaction
Matthew Hayden’s Remarks On Islam And Pakistan’s Discipline Spark Social Media Controversy
By CricShots - Oct 5, 2023 11:02 am
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Former Australia opening batter Matthew Hayden’s remarks on the impact of Islam on Pakistan’s cricketing culture sparked controversy on social media. Hayden made the comments while calling the World Cup 2023 warm-up fixture between Australia and Pakistan in Guwahati on Tuesday, alongside former PCB chief Ramiz Raja.

matthew hayden
Matthew Hayden 

“Well, it is very focused around Islam, which is a central and core thing to this playing unit. The way of life in the Pakistan team leads to greater discipline, which I greatly admire after all cricket is a discipline as well,” Matthew Hayden was heard saying on air.

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The video clip, featuring Hayden and Raja, has now gone viral on social media. While the Pakistan media and citizens are celebrating the former Aussie cricketer’s comment, it didn’t go down well among the Indian fans who are now slamming Matthew Hayden on social media.

 

 

 

 

 

This is not the first time a commentator has landed in hot waters for speaking something that’s unnecessary or irrelevant from a cricketing perspective. Back in 2006, former Australia batter, Late Dean Jones, was sacked by broadcasters Ten Sports for calling Hashim Amla a ‘terrorist’ on live television during a Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka in Colombo.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) never allows any commercial or religious promotions by the people involved in the conduct of multi-nation events. Back in 2019, MS Dhoni wearing the dagger insignia on his wicket-keeping gloves led to a controversy as ICC expressed an objection.

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Hayden’s comments have been praised by some for highlighting the importance of discipline in cricket, while others have criticized them for being insensitive and unnecessary. It is important to remember that religion is a personal matter and should not be used to divide people, especially in the context of sport.