The ICC World Cup, Afghanistan emerged victorious against Pakistan with an eight-wicket win, largely thanks to an impressive 87-run knock by Ibrahim Zadran. This remarkable performance earned him the coveted Player of the Match award, and Zadran took the opportunity to express his gratitude during the post-match presentation.
Zadran, elated with his performance, attributed his success to a positive mindset, saying, “I am thankful that I performed well in this event. I wanted to play with a positive intent.” He also lauded his partnership with fellow cricketer Rahmanullah Gurbaz, reflecting on their history together, “Many times Gurbaz and I have done a brilliant partnership together. We have played a lot of cricket together, right from the Under-16 days. I am feeling very glad for myself and for my country.”
But it was Zadran’s dedication of the Player of the Match award that truly touched the hearts of fans and cricket enthusiasts worldwide. In an emotional gesture, he said, “I am feeling very glad for myself and for my country. I want to dedicate this man of the match award to those people who have been sent back from Pakistan to Afghanistan.”
This dedication carried profound significance against the backdrop of recent developments involving Afghan nationals living in Pakistan. Tens of thousands of Afghan nationals had been faced with a government-imposed deadline to leave Pakistan by November 1, or face deportation due to documentation deficiencies or visa overstays.
The Pakistani government, having declared the deadline in early October, vowed to carry out arrests and deportations in a “phased and orderly manner” for those who failed to comply. Reports suggest that approximately 1.7 million Afghans were among the foreigners who were expected to return to their home countries.
Ibrahim Zadran’s heartfelt dedication not only showcased his remarkable talent on the cricket field but also highlighted the human aspect of the situation faced by Afghan nationals who had to leave Pakistan.
