The Indian media has been reporting for the last 24 hours that gunshots were heard near England Cricketers’ residence in Multan since the red-ball squad is in Pakistan to encounter a three-match test series.
With international cricket returning to Pakistan in a full-swing manner, the cricket-loving nation has recently hosted a long list of countries, including very big names from the cricket world. The delightful moments for the Pakistani fans seem indigestible to some as they come up with fake reports.
As covered by Lawrence Booth on his Twitter account, the victims were arrested for their violent acts. He writes that the bullets were fired 1 km away from the England hotel on Thursday Morning. Pakistani media, specifically close to Multan, denies the allegations terming them baseless, just to exploit Pakistan’s reputation when the country is on the verge of getting international cricket fully back here.
The tweet reads,
Gunshots were heard 1km from England’s team hotel this morning in Multan. Two rival gangs, it seems. Four arrests were made, and no one was injured. The team’s security plans remain unaffected before tomorrow’s second Test against Pakistan.
India’s biggest sports page, Crictracker, took no time to take it seriously and spread the rumours like a fire in a jungle. In a jam and crowded city like Multan, similar violent voices like gunshots are pretty normal, and it in no way means that someone has the guts to fire bullets near English players in the presence of foolproof security.
It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan hosted England’s men’s cricket team for a seven-match t20I series just before the World Cup 2022. Apart from England, the men and women in green have warmly welcomed Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, and others, including the big names from the cricket fraternity in the Pakistan Super League.
Notably, Indian board secretary Jay Shah, who is also the president of the Asian Cricket Council, denied visiting Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023, despite the fact that Pakistan was awarded the event, mutually by ACC, including Jay. All these plans to isolate Pakistan Cricket are letting PCB chairman Mr Ramiz Raja take bold steps.
