ENG vs IND 2025: Lancashire apologize for escorting Pakistani fan after video of Manchester Test goes viral
The fan recently took to social media to share the events that had unfolded.
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The Lancashire Cricket has openly put out an apology message for the recent controversial incident where a Pakistan team fan was ejected from the stands for the fourth Test between England and India at the Old Trafford in Manchester. The fan, identified as Farooq Nazar, had shot the video of the entire incident, and posted it online, which took no time to go viral on social media platforms.
Farooq claimed that the entire issues stemmed from a Lancashire official requesting him to cover his Pakistan team's jersey, which he had donned to be in attendance at the game. He was then ejected out of the venue, as the officials and police security personnel fulfilled the needful formalities to ensure a hassle-free conduct of the Test match.
“[The fan was] asked to leave the stadium with stewards and police officers due to unacceptable behaviour directed towards the stewarding team. Any upset and offence caused which was not intended and will review its procedures for handling similar situations in the future,” an official Lancashire statement read.
Farooq's removal, an aftermath of previous episode
However, the cricket association, which was in-charge for the fourth Test at the iconic venue, clarified that an earlier incident at the venue between Indian and Pakistani supporters had a weightage on how Farooq's situation was handled.
“Firstly, we wish to make it clear that there was no intention to remove the individual simply for wearing a Pakistan cricket shirt, The approach taken was informed by an incident on Saturday, during which a group of supporters waved a Pakistan national flag, leading to tensions with nearby Indian fans. In that case, our stewards were able to de-escalate the situation by respectfully asking the individuals to put the flag away, which they did without hesitation,” Lancashire explained.
“In light of this context, our team adopted a precautionary, safety-first approach on Sunday. A stand supervisor politely asked the individual to cover his shirt in the interest of his own safety and to avoid any potential escalation. Despite several courteous requests from the supervisor and the response team, the individual repeatedly declined to comply,” it further clarified.
Growing Indo-Pak tensions
Tensions between India and Pakistan have remained strained since the Pahalgam terror attacks in May. Diplomatic relations have got soured between the two nations. The most-recent case of this trickling down into cricket was India Champions' withdrawal from playing a group-stage and semi-final clash against Pakistan Champions in the 2025 instalment of the World Championship of Legends, as the Men in Green have now advanced to the finals.
IND vs PAK Test series took place during state of war
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