Pakistan’s crucial match against its neighbour and cricketing minnows Afghanistan was marred by an ugly scuffle between the supporters of the two teams outside the Headingley cricket ground. The violent fight between the supporters of the two teams was reportedly triggered by an airplane flying overhead towing the message Justice for Balochistan.
The message is concerning the Balochistan province, where Baloch nationalists have been fighting for independence with the help of Afghanistan.
News agency ANI said that the Leeds’ Air Traffic control will investigate how the airplane was able to fly over the stadium with a political message attached.
Meanwhile, Pakistani cricket fans have taken to Twitter to vent out their frustration against supporters of the Afghanistani cricket team. Calling them ungrateful,’ they launched a hashtag #PakistanVsNamakHarams implying that Saturday’s match was being played between Pakistan and a bunch of ungrateful players.
Here’s how they reacted:
Absolutely pathetic from Afghan Fans at the Ground. Attacking Pakistani fans and creating an environment unheard of at ICC events.#PakistanVsNamakHarams #PAKvsAFG #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/lpsLaHiHRd
— Cricket Blog (@blogcricket_pk) June 29, 2019
When they are Shamelessly supporting our Rivals, and we are busy giving them refuge! #PakistanVsNamakHaramspic.twitter.com/ywroUqepOS
— اسد بلوچ (@Asadkhan017) June 29, 2019
Retweet if u want govt to kick out namak harams from Pakistan#PakistanVsNamakHarams
pic.twitter.com/rYCmyJoMUi— اسد بلوچ (@Asadkhan017) June 29, 2019
I think Shaheen Shah has some personal issues with Afghanistan ???#PakistanVsNamakHarams #CWC19 #PAKvAFG pic.twitter.com/PkEd3QnSCl
— Huzaifa Ahmad (@huzaifascool) June 29, 2019
Last time they face us, this happened
Wana cee ths again ?? ❤️ #PakistanVsNamakHarams pic.twitter.com/QaGklW62zZ— Imran A. Arain (@imran_a_arain) June 29, 2019
Pakistan still has hopes to secure a semi-final spot if they manage to defeat Afghanistan in Headingley.