Sarfraz Ahmed: “Criticise us on our game, that’s not an issue, but don’t abuse us”
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has called on the media and fans to stop personally attacking the players as it is affecting the players psychologically.
Sarfraz’s comments come after he was verbally abused and body shamed by a fan while he was with his family and carrying his young son in a shopping mall in London.
No manners. No respect. Absolutely disgraceful behaviour. Yes the performances have not been good but the players don't deserve such abuse #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/o8rMNTVGXI
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) June 21, 2019
Sarfraz insisted that he has no problem with people criticising the team, but added that they cross the line when they start abusing the players.
“Social media and [the] media are not in our control,” Sarfraz was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “They are so big that you cannot stop them. Teams have lost before but now on social media it is unstoppable. Whoever thinks [anything, they just] write it on social media. That hurts, too much. Players are affected psychologically.
“Criticise us on our game, that’s not an issue, but don’t abuse us. Their families get affected. If someone is hitting, then pushing anyone that’s not good. Our fans are emotional and these same people lift us when we win. But if they feel sad on a defeat we also feel the same way.
“We feel it much more because we are playing for Pakistan.”
Pakistan’s next World Cup match will be against South Africa at Lord’s on Sunday.
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