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‘Like To Dedicate...,’  Afghan Opener Takes Political Shot At PAK After WC 2023 Special

image-lo3711qxIbrahim Zadran celebrates his 50 against PAK at the 2023 World Cup (AP)

Ibrahim Zadran batted Pakistan out of the contest, and possibly, out of the World Cup 2023 semifinal race as his 87-run blitz played a significant hand in Afghanistan’s historic win in Chennai. The cricketer shared 130 runs with partner and aggressor-in-chief Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and tactically added 60 more runs with number three Rahmat Shah before the opener was done-in by Hasan Ali’s pace.

Zadran belted 10 surgical boundaries in his 114-ball knock and ended up top-scoring for his side in their remarkable triumph. Unsurprisingly, the 21-year-old was also adjudged as ‘Player of the Match’ for his efforts, pipping out spinner Noor Ahmed and Shah despite the latter’s run-chase special.

During the post-match ceremony, Zadran used the grand stage as an opportunity to take a political potshot at Pakistan government for their latest deportation policy of Afghan citizens.

Ibrahim Zadran takes a dig at Pakistan government

Ibrahim Zadran punched out 87 to become the driving force of Afghanistan’s second win of the 2023 World Cup, and their first-ever win over political rivals Pakistan in ODIs. After the match, the cricketer expressed his excitement over his side’s historic win and credited opening partner Rahmanullah Gurbaz for instilling confidence in him. During the post-match presentation, he said:

“First of all, I am very thankful to the almighty that I performed well in this kind of big tournament. I wanted to go there and bat longer to score runs for my side. Many times I and Gurbaz added big partnerships. We have a good understanding between us. We have played together since the Under-16 stages. He is a good motivator. I am feeling very glad for myself and for my country.”

Ibrahim Zadran also took this opportunity to take a political potshot at Pakistan government after the latter had instructed its Afghan-based refugees to leave the country by November 1. The dashing opener dedicated his ‘Player of the Match’ award to the Afghan nationals who have been already sent back by Pakistan. Zadran stated:

“I want to dedicate this player of the match award to those peoples whom Pakistan have sent back to Afghanistan.”

Ibrahim Zadran along with the rest of his high-flying Afghanistan teammates will now face Sri Lanka on October 30. The match will be hosted by the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.