Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu's sports minister and DMK leader, strongly condemned the behaviour of some spectators during the recent India-Pakistan cricket World Cup match on Sunday (October 15). In a video that has gone viral, supporters at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium can be heard chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' as Pakistani batsman Muhammad Rizwan returns to the changing room.
The DMK chief expressed his displeasure in a social media post, saying that "India is renowned for its sportsmanship and hospitality." He went on to say that the behavior at Narendra Modi Stadium was "unacceptable" and "a new low."
Stalin emphasized the importance of athletics as a unifying force between nations in his message, while criticizing its exploitation as a weapon for propagating animosity.
India is renowned for its sportsmanship and hospitality. However, the treatment meted out to Pakistan players at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is unacceptable and a new low. Sports should be a unifying force between countries, fostering true brotherhood. Using it as a tool… pic.twitter.com/MJnPJsERyK
— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) October 14, 2023
During the game, the Pakistani team captain, Rizwan, had to deal with rowdy supporters who booed him following his coin toss speech.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) responded to Udhayanidhi's censure with a reference to Sanatan Dharma, implying that he should embrace the values of righteousness.
The next level of humiliation....#IndiaVsPakistanpic.twitter.com/OKFvTRVFg3
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 14, 2023
K Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu BJP president, justified the fans' behavior, pointing out that India has long showed respect and dignity to Pakistani athletes. He questioned Udhayanidhi's Sanatan Dharma-related remarks and deeds.
Annamalai stated unequivocally that he did not interpret the supporters' actions in Ahmedabad as disrespect towards the athlete.
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