BCCI gives grand welcome to Pak players; right-wing social media users slam fans for supporting them
New Delhi: Ever since the Pakistan Cricket Team arrived in India earlier last month to take part in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, it has been subjected to multiple controversies with news anchors and right-wing social media users repeatedly scrutinizing their activities and the local support they have been receiving.
Pakistan arrived in Hyderabad and played their practice games there before beginning their World Cup campaign at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium there.
But apart from the Pakistan players, the fans supporting them have also been subjected to scrutiny on social media by the right-wing users and have been slammed for supporting their arch rivals both on-field and geopolitically.
Fans especially from Hyderabad, have been slammed by these users, giving their support a communal angle and it has been used to spread hate and anger among the people of the country against them. During Pakistan’s match against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad, when the DJ played “Jeetega bhai jeetega” fans erupted with roars of “Pakistan Jeetega” which did not go down well with right-wingers who labelled the support as supporting of terrorists and terror promoters.
Several prominent figures also commented on the issue and went as far as to call for sending these fans to Pakistan and boycotting them. One of the extremist social media users who goes by the name of Bala, who is also followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is seen repeatedly spreading hate messages and misleading information, also tweeted on Thursday and wrote “Look at the desperation of Hyderabadi Muslims seeking validation from Pakistani players. He says “Rizwan sir, Rizwan sir, we love Pakistan” The greatest irreversible damage that Gandhi and Nehru did to Bharat was the non-transfer of 100% of the population during Partition.”
Meanwhile the BCCI headed by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s son Jay Shah accorded a grand welcome to the Pakistan team when it arrived in Ahmedabad, Gujarat where it is scheduled to play India on Sunday. They were welcomed by dancers dancing on the tunes on Bollywood numbers.
The move received severe backlash and users slammed the right-wingers for the hypocrisy.
Earlier, when Pakistan had arrived at Hyderabad, the locals had gathered at the airport to welcome the team which was also criticized by right-wing news anchors and users for welcoming Pakistan.
The BCCI has also scheduled grand set of programs ahead of the India vs Pakistan match that has also sparked controversy. The BCCI did not accord an opening ceremony to the ICC ODI World Cup and has asserted that several Bollywood stars, will perform and attend the program before India vs Pakistan match. Critics have slammed the BCCI and Jay Shah for glorifying India vs Pakistan match while right-wingers backed by his father and the BJP are playing hypocrisy on social media to slam enthusiastic fans of the sport.
Look at the desperation of Hyderabadi Muslims seeking validation from Pakistani players.
— BALA (@erbmjha) October 12, 2023
He says “Rizwan sir, Rizwan sir, we love Pakistan”
The greatest irreversible damage that Gandhi and Nehru did to Bharat was the non-transfer of 100% of the population during Partition. pic.twitter.com/8g4DvT3sFg
Look at the desperation of BJP in Gujarat seeking validation of pakistani players
— Ayush Jain (@aestheticayush6) October 12, 2023
They are dancing "Jogira ta ra ra ra"
The greatest irreversible damage that Gandhi and Nehru did to Bharat was not crushing RSS-ISI collaboration since 1947.https://t.co/6Yz3UpzDqM
Look at the desperation of BJP in Gujarat seeking validation of pakistani players
— Ayush Jain (@aestheticayush6) October 12, 2023
They are dancing "Jogira ta ra ra ra"
The greatest irreversible damage that Gandhi and Nehru did to Bharat was not crushing RSS-ISI collaboration since 1947.https://t.co/6Yz3UpzDqM
Flowers are being showered on Pakistani players in Gujarati Hotel.
— زماں (@Delhiite_) October 12, 2023
- Whereas if the same had happened in Hyderabad then Godi media would be raising questions on the People there.
- By now they would have declared the city a Traitor. pic.twitter.com/QGHuoEdKN7
Grand welcome given to Pakistani cricketers in India, did you hear it wrong ? No it’s in Modi Ji’s Ahmedabad!
— Vijay Thottathil (@vijaythottathil) October 12, 2023
Will Sanghi’s call them also Paki’s like they called crowd in Hyderabad who supported Pak team ?? pic.twitter.com/dqSYuHcp3h
When the crowd in Hyderabad responded to the DJ's sloganeering with "Pakistan jeetega", IT Celliyas labelled the whole crowd 'anti-national.'
— PuNsTeR™ (@Pun_Starr) October 12, 2023
Now Pakistan team is in Ahmedabad and BCCI has organized a grand welcome for them with girls dancing and showering them with flowers.
Is… pic.twitter.com/rZ21k2gb0w
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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
