'I have never seen such level of criticism' - Sharad Pawar terms targeting team India after Pakistan loss as 'indecent'

NCP Chief and ex-ICC chairman Sharad Pawar made a statement about the trolling of some of the Indian cricketers on social media after their loss against Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 last Sunday. The loss by 10 wickets was India’s first-ever against Pakistan in a World Cup match. The Indian team’s streak of 12 matches was broken in Dubai. 

The streak lasted for 29 years, starting with the win in the 50 overs World Cup in 1992. Since then, India has won seven matches in the 50 overs edition while winning five more in the T20 World Cup. The loss didn’t go down well with several Indian fans who criticized, abused and trolled some of the Indian players, especially fast-bowler Mohammed Shami. 

The right-arm pacer didn’t have a great day with the ball, giving away 43 runs in 3.5 overs. Afterwards, he received several waves of abuse and poorly conducted messages from across the country. Many former cricketers came ahead and showed support to the pacer. Pawar’s statement didn’t highlight any one player, but he termed the response as ‘indecent.’

I have never seen such a level of criticism, says Sharad Pawar

“It is my appeal to the so-called cricket lovers that they should refrain from discouraging players with such criticism,” Pawar said during an event and was quoted by Mid-Day. “It was an indecent level of commentary against a couple of Indian players after the Indian team lost against Pakistan. ‘We win and we lose. (But) I have never seen such a level of criticism. I believe we will win the next match against New Zealand and will see a change (in people’s mood),’ he added.

Virat Kohli also voiced his support for Mohammed Shami in the pre-match press conference and cleared that the team is backing him 200%. He also slammed the people for attacking him over his religion stating that ‘it is the most pathetic thing a human being can do.’ India will face New Zealand in their second game of T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday.