Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed doesn’t want Bangladeshis to be called Bengalis

In the arts and culture field, West Bengal in India and Bangladesh share an exotic relationship. Several musicians and other artists from across the borders weave their magic in their neighbouring countries. Kolkata’s renowned Bengali daily newspaper Anandabazar Patrika organises an award show named ‘Shera Bangali’ where personalities from Bangladesh are also crowned.

The likes of Habibul Bashar, Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza, who recently led the Tigers in the 2019 World Cup, have been honoured as the ‘Shera Bangali’ in 2007, 2012 and 2017 respectively. However, Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed reckons Bengalis and Bangladeshis are from completely different communities and parallels shouldn’t be drawn between them.

A journalist asked Sarfaraz about whether Shoaib Malik deserved a farewell match against Bangladesh and referred to them as ‘Bengalis’. “Do you not think Shoaib Malik deserved a farewell match against the Bengalis?” the journalist was quoted as saying in a press conference.

But Sarfaraz was pretty clear-cut in his reply and asked the scribe to not address Bangladeshis as Bengalis. The captain also said that one should refrain from making such comments that could lead to their ban. “Don’t call them Bengalis, call them Bangladesh, or you also risk being banned,” he said.

Malik’s lacklustre campaign in the World Cup

As far as Malik is concerned, Sarfaraz mentioned that it was unfortunate for the Sialkot-born cricketer to miss out on the game at the Lord’s in London. The 32-year-old wicketkeeper said that Pakistan wished to continue with their winning combination at the iconic venue and hence Malik couldn’t make the cut. Malik only played three matches in the mega event and could only manage eight runs.

He also got a couple of ducks and the team management was forced to bring in Haris Sohail into the eleven. The decision didn’t backfire by any means as he scored a couple of sparkling half-centuries. As far as Pakistan’s last league match is concerned, they were needed to win by a margin of over 300 runs.

Imam-ul-Haq and Shaheen Shah Afridi shone with a century and six-wicket haul respectively, but their efforts went in vain. The Men in Green won the match by a mammoth margin of 94 runs, but couldn’t qualify for the semis despite equalling New Zealand on 11 points.

Question: Do you not think Shoaib Malik deserved a farewell match against the Bengalis?

Sarfaraz Ahmed: Don't call them Bengalis, call them Bangladesh, or you also risk being banned.#CWC19 pic.twitter.com/5P5P07fZ8G

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) July 7, 2019