The decision of the Pakistan cricket team to fly their national flag during training sessions ahead of the series against Bangladesh has angered Bangladeshi cricket supporters. While this may appear to be an exaggeration given that the Pakistan cricket team has been planting the flag for training sessions for some time, Bangladeshi cricket supporters believe that the Pakistan cricket team is politicizing the sport.
Pakistan’s interim head coach, Saqlain Mushtaq, instituted this tradition in the Pakistani dressing room because he believes the players need to be reminded on a regular basis that they are representing their country. The flag-carrying was introduced to boost morale and keep the players’ attention focused.
While Pakistan’s intentions are clear, Bangladeshi fans are dissatisfied because of the two countries’ history. Bangladesh cricket fans took to social media to criticize the Pakistan cricket team for planting the flag on Bangladeshi soil.
Reportedly Some #Bangladesh Fans In Video Message Expressed Wide Disapproval Of #Pakistan Team Hoisting Flag In Practice.
I Have No Problem Personally, But I Understand Their Concern#Pak Team Should Have Followed ICC Protocols And Ask Permission
Its A Sensitive Issue #BANvPAK pic.twitter.com/RAPeNRHhTu— বাংলার ছেলে 🇧🇩 (@iSoumikSaheb) November 16, 2021
Shameful to carry flag on practice sessions!!
— Bong Banarsi! (@chandan_april) November 16, 2021
Only hoisting their national flag while on training and nothing else…but when Bangladesh people's get agitated whom to blamed..
— nanban anban (@AnbanNanban) November 17, 2021
Different countries have come to #Bangladesh innumerable times, many matches have been played by practicing.But neither party needed to practice burying their national flag on the ground.But why did #Pakistan do that…
What does it indicate?#BANvPAK pic.twitter.com/bxUyTq5K1s— Misbah ur Rahman (@95MRahman) November 15, 2021
Go back Pakistan. Bangladesh should stop the series. Ban any kind of Pakistani flag in Bangladesh.#RecogniseTheGenicide1971 https://t.co/viUEAx5Nfq
— Shahajada Shah Pervez 🇧🇩 (@ShahajadaShahP) November 15, 2021
Pakistan will meet Bangladesh for a three-match T20I series and a two-match Test series. The tour will kick off on November 19th with the first T20I. The Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship, and both teams will be determined to earn the most points and qualify for the World Test Championship Final in 2023.
