Sehwag's Arab attire in Dubai sparks controversy, netizens ask "where is your nationalism now?"
Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag sparked controversy during the International League T20 (ILT20) final, where he adopted an Arab avatar while hosting a show alongside former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar.
Despite providing insightful commentary on the MI Emirates vs. Dubai Capitals match, Sehwag's unexpected attire drew criticism on social media.
Some users accused Sehwag of hypocrisy, citing his previous emphasis on nationalism and patriotism, particularly aligning with the BJP's agenda.
The cricketer faced backlash for wearing an Arab Sheikh outfit, with users questioning his commitment to Indian identity, especially considering his past suggestion to change the country's name to Bharat.
Critics also expressed disappointment in Sehwag's choice of attire while interacting with a Pakistani player, interpreting it as prioritizing financial gains over nationalistic sentiments.
The incident prompted social media users to question Sehwag's stance on nationalism, accusing him of inconsistency and emphasizing the need for genuine expressions of patriotism.
He has a problem with the word INDIA, he said INDIA stands for oppression, we should use Bharat instead.
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) February 17, 2024
Today, he has become an Arab for money. pic.twitter.com/wTqyK1iDvo
๐๐ป๐ฎ๐ผ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฝ๐ธ ๐ผ๐ต๐ช๐
— International League T20 (@ILT20Official) February 17, 2024
When in Dubai, you've gotta do it the Emirati way!#DPWorldILT20 #AllInForCricket #MIEvDC pic.twitter.com/WOlEPIS1MP
๐จ Hypocrisy Exposed
— Amock (@Politics_2022_) February 17, 2024
Virender Sehwag lectures Indians about nationalism & patriotism to propagate BJP's agenda
And he is enjoying commentary with Pakístan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar in UAE, he is wearing outfit of Arab Sheikh
Will the BJP IT Cell rant?#DPWorldILT20FinalOnZee pic.twitter.com/4eKs17tvCe
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
No clarity on US-Iran talks as Islamabad stays under lockdown
Islamabad (PTI): Large parts of Pakistan's capital remain under a tight security lockdown for over a week on Saturday, even as uncertainty persisted over the proposed second round of talks between the US and Iran.
Arterial roads leading into Islamabad are sealed, while the Red Zone, housing key government buildings and diplomatic missions, remains under a strict security cordon.
In the adjacent commercial 'Blue Area', markets are deserted, cafes are running short of supplies, and public transport disruptions with no service at bus terminals have left commuters stranded.
For residents, uncertainty has become the hardest part. Islamabad is a city of transients, where many residents work during โthe week and return to family homes at the weekend.
This is the second lockdown in recent weeks. Islamabad was earlier sealed on April 11 for talks between the US and Iranian delegations that ended without a deal. The city briefly reopened before restrictions were reimposed as Pakistan prepared to host another round of engagements, which has yet to materialise.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived here late Friday for engagements with the Pakistani leadership. He was received by senior officials, including Army chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, foreign minister Ishaq Dar and interior minister Mohsin Naqvi.
However, there is no clarity on whether direct talks between Washington and Tehran will take place during the visit.
"No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the US. Iran's observations would be conveyed to Pakistan," Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said in a social media post on Saturday.
He said the Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad "for an official visit" and Araghchi will be "meeting with Pakistani high-level officials in concert with their ongoing mediation and good offices for ending American-imposed war of aggression and the restitution of peace in our region".
As the Iranian team landed in Islamabad, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that US Special Envoy on the Middle East Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's adviser Jared Kushner would be leaving for Pakistan on Saturday "to engage in direct talks" with representatives of the Iranian delegation.
“Everyone will be on standby to fly to Pakistan if necessary, but first, Steve and Jared will be going over there to report back to the president, the vice president and the rest of the team,” she said.
However, the US team has not yet arrived.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar, in a social media post, expressed hope for "meaningful engagements" between the two warring parties to promote regional peace and stability.
The Foreign Office here said Iranian foreign minister Araghchi will hold meetings with Pakistan’s senior leadership to discuss the latest regional developments as well as ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability.
"Following key discussions with the Pakistani mediation team, a second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran is expected to be held in Islamabad on Saturday and Sunday," a government official said.
He said a US logistics and security team is already present in Islamabad to facilitate the negotiation process.
Araghchi, before leaving for Islamabad, said that he was embarking on a timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow, and the purpose of his visits is to "closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments".
"Our neighbours are our priority," he said.
The first round of US-Iran talks held on April 11 and 12 failed to produce a breakthrough, prompting a flurry of diplomatic efforts by host Pakistan to cool tensions and revive hopes for another round of dialogue.
On Tuesday, Trump extended the two-week ceasefire with Iran indefinitely to give Tehran more time to prepare a unified proposal to end the war, just hours before the truce was set to expire.
The Iran war began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes.
