‘Surely not’: Mixed reaction after Yasir Shah gifts Test cap to fan

The leg-spinner gave away his cap during the fourth day’s play of Pakistan’s first Test against New Zealand

PHOTO: AFP/Spark Sports

Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah gifted his Test cap to a fan, during the fourth day’s play of first Test against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, much to the latter’s disbelief.

Shah received a lot of praise for the gesture but some people did not seem too pleased with the leg-spinner’s act, especially considering that it was done mid-way through a match.

“Yasir Shah has found a lucky fan in the crowd,” said one of the Spark Sports commentary team. “You don’t see that every day, giving away his Test cap. The guy’s pretty chuffed too. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player give away his Test cap to someone on the bank. It’s made his day, that’s for sure.”

Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah made a cricket fan’s day by gifting him his Test cap 🧢#NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/Me24zklkKE
— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) December 29, 2020

New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham was surprised to see Shah’s gesture, while stressing on the importance of what the cap represents.

Surely not 😳 https://t.co/DuQP3jbTp6
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) December 29, 2020

It isn’t about the hat, it’s what it represents. https://t.co/2yKTOj0jlL
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) December 29, 2020

Meanwhile, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif believes that a current cricketer should not give away his cap in that fashion.

Current players can’t sell or give national cap or blazer to anyone. These can’t be sold either. Only for museums these can be given. It’s a National colour
— Rashid Latif ®️🇵🇰🌹 (@iRashidLatif68) December 29, 2020

Here is how others reacted:

Generous yes... but in the middle of a game? https://t.co/E88txJ8okD
— Rick Eyre on cricket (@rickeyrecricket) December 29, 2020

Yasir Shah is genuinely such a great guy. pic.twitter.com/rLrVR79OXx
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) December 29, 2020

Yasir Shah is awesome. People complaining that it reduces the 'honour' of the cap lol. He's got loads of them. Just look at the joy on the guy's face! I'd rather players gave their caps than auctioning them off to collectors never to be seen again. #NZvPAK https://t.co/YRv8XKlVHL
— Kunal Tolani🏏⚡ (@Kunal_jt) December 29, 2020

Yasir Shah be like, "Match to jeetny sy rahy, chalo Dil jeet laity Hain." https://t.co/sn6S0pYSS4
— DU (@Daanish_umar) December 29, 2020

I find this unbelievable, watching Yasir Shah throw away his test cap to a spectator. Imagine what may have been if Madhav Mantri just gave his cap to Sunil Gavaskar!! And that young man went home happy forever!!

These caps need to be earned.https://t.co/gXh1Xpclz1
— Anand Datla (@SportaSmile) December 29, 2020

Original cap or not, this is still a bit mad! #NZvPAK https://t.co/nzW4u53j3h
— The Googly (@officialgoogly) December 29, 2020

Nice gesture, but why just randomly throw your "Test" cap to a random person in the crowd. For god's sake, you have got it because you represent your country. https://t.co/mKGtDFk95U
— Samrat (@sam91notout) December 29, 2020

LMAO IMAGINE AN AUSSIE THROWING THEIR BAGGIE GREEN INTO THE CROWD https://t.co/x801rQPC4e
— Ahan 🇺🇸🇦🇺 (@AhanCricket) December 29, 2020

Oh, no! Why?
Your Test cap? Seriously? https://t.co/Q5WoUiInr5
— N. (@NahmatMaeraj) December 29, 2020

This series has been played in so much love. Sarfaraz and Babar yesterday playing with the kids, players having friendly moments in the field and now Yasir Shah has given his cap to a person in crowd. Great to see. https://t.co/dS0mHnOOxn
— Cricket Fanatic (@CricketFanati17) December 29, 2020