Rizwan dedicates Pakistan win to oppressed Palestinians

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Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Rizwan played a pivotal role in Pakistan's victory against Sri Lanka in the ICC World Cup 2023 on Tuesday.

Following the triumph, Rizwan chose to dedicate the win to the oppressed Palestinians in Gaza.

Expressing his solidarity with the Palestinian cause, Rizwan took to the social media platform 'X', formerly known as Twitter, to convey his heartfelt support. 

"This was for our brothers and sisters in Gaza." Rizwan wrote on X

Acknowledging the contributions of his teammates Abdullah Shafiq and Hasan Ali, Rizwan credited them for their efforts in making challenging matches appear effortless.

Moreover, he took a moment to extend his gratitude to the people of Hyderabad for their tremendous hospitality and support throughout the tournament. 

"Extremely grateful to the people of Hyderabad for the amazing hospitality and support throughout," Rizwan stated appreciatively.

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

However, Rizwan's post didn't sit well with Indians. Famous Indian sports journalist questioned the International Cricket Council (ICC) whether it is permissible for an international player to make political and religious statements during mega cricketing events.

"Is this allowed @ICC? I remember Dhoni was asked to remove the Army insignia from his gloves during the World Cup 2019. Aren’t cricketers prohibited from making political and religious statements during ICC events?," Gupta wrote on X

Is this allowed @ICC ? I remember Dhoni was asked to remove the Army insignia from his gloves during the World Cup 2019
Aren’t cricketers prohibited from making political and religious statements during ICC events? https://t.co/3k5uKf4mXH

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) October 11, 2023

Political/ongoing war statements are allowed during ICC events? https://t.co/irBjkzpvZl

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) October 11, 2023

ICC prohibits cricketers from making political statement during such events. MS Dhoni was asked to remove the insignia from his w/k gloves in the 2019 World Cup. Even in 2014 during a Test against India, ICC had banned Moeen Ali from wearing “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine”… https://t.co/lXPxOzRMCE

— Rahul Rawat (@rawatrahul9) October 11, 2023

Believe me, if this guy weren't a cricketer, he might have been one of those who are, today, committing violence in the name of religion. He might have been trying to convert people and harming non-believers. https://t.co/iGZ7F0IvoO

— Shivani Shukla (@iShivani_Shukla) October 11, 2023

It is worth noting that Rizwan scored his third ODI century off 97 balls with seven fours and two sixes and was still at the crease as Pakistan chased a winning target of 345 against Sri Lanka, which is the highest run-chase in ODI World Cup history.