Former Pakistani cricketer Ijaz Ahmed has sparked significant controversy with his recent comments about the Pashtun players in the Pakistan cricket squad and attributed the national cricket team’s failures to its Pashtun players.
During a discussion on the local news channel ARY News, Ijaz Ahmed criticized including Pashtun players in the team, suggesting their supposed lack of exposure and educational background adversely affected team performance. This assertion has led to widespread criticism and has been perceived as biased and discriminatory.
The backlash has been particularly strong on social media, where journalists and public figures have challenged Ahmed’s claims.
Journalist Zubair Ali Khan responded by emphasizing the rich pool of talent in the Pashtun regions, not only in cricket but also in football, and highlighting their resilience and contributions despite challenging conditions.
Furthermore, Junaid Akbar, a member of the National Assembly from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, strongly condemned Ahmed’s remarks.
He criticized the practice of evaluating athletes’ performances based on their ethnic background, calling for an immediate cessation of such discriminatory practices in sports. Akbar’s statement reflects a broader call for inclusivity and respect in sports, urging authorities to address and curb ethnic discrimination effectively.
