Pakistan fans furious over Bhogle's remarks on World Cup participation

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan's participation in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 was officially confirmed, receiving approval from the Government of Pakistan on Sunday. Soon after, there was a pile of reactions that emerged on social media - both joyous and upsetting.

Amid the reactions, it was the innocuous words of renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle that set off a controversy, leaving Pakistan fans irate and demanding respect for their team's participation in the mega tournament.

Bhogle, known for his insightful analysis and commentary, made a statement on Twitter, saying, "Forget the defiant statements, the grand pronouncements, Pakistan were always going to come to the World Cup. We knew this two months ago. That is also the way their players would have wanted it"

Forget the defiant statements, the grand pronouncements, Pakistan were always going to come to the World Cup. We knew this two months ago. That is also the way their players would have wanted it.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 7, 2023

However, Bhogle's words were interpreted as dismissive by Pakistan cricket fans. His statement received a torrent of outrage. Pakistan fans, already feeling underappreciated on the global stage, took Bhogle's words as an affront to their team's integrity.

Such a sad downfall of one the great commentators of the game. The entitlement, arrogance and politics this guy now brings into the game is so annoying. He should be an ambassador for the sport first and put aside his personal/ political agendas. https://t.co/NjQfZ3hQBn

— Ahmed (@Karahi_Naan) August 7, 2023 

Forget the defiant statements, the grand pronouncements, BCCI were always going to mess up the World Cup arrangements. We knew this two years ago. That is also the way their government would have wanted it. https://t.co/rv7PVVLvBC

— RANAYYY (@OnDrivee) August 7, 2023

How about you drop this hypocrisy and talk about how your board is hell bent on silencing pak cricket by voiding their hosting rights; plus, how BCCI can’t even organize a WC properly. There’s 2 month left, and we don’t know the proper schedule.

So called voice of cricket 🤡 https://t.co/CV1bW5zZRQ

— Sajeel (@sajeel_556) August 7, 2023

you had nothing to say about the mismanagement your board is causing but ok go off https://t.co/kzoFQMKiko

— fatima (@fatibinteasad) August 7, 2023

Meanwhile, the press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan reiterated its steadfast belief in keeping sports separate from politics. The India vs. Pakistan clash in Ahmedabad, originally scheduled for October 15, is also set to be rescheduled to October 14 due to security issues.

ICC World Cup 2023 is scheduled to be played from October 5 to November 19 in India.