T20 World Cup 2021: 5 controversies that erupted following Pakistan’s win over India

#3 Pakistan minister claims “victory for Islam”

A screengrab from Sheikh Rasheed's video

Trust politicians to make a mockery of an India versus Pakistan "cricket" match. While Virat Kohli hugged Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan and MS Dhoni was seen interacting with Pakistan’s cricketers, Pakistan's Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed came up with a shocker.

Rasheed said Pakistan’s win against India was a “victory for Islam”. In a viral video, Rasheed claimed that sentiments of Muslims from around the world, including in India, were with the Pakistani team during the game. He proclaimed:

"For Pakistan, today's India-Pakistan match was the final."

Rasheed also added that he had asked security personnel to remove barricades so that citizens could be “allowed” to celebrate Pakistan’s win.

---

#4 Sehwag, Gambhir’s “firecracker” tweets

Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag

Back in India, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, who opened the batting together for the country for many years, were united in their views of India’s defeat as well.

Both took to Twitter and criticized those “celebrating” Pakistan’s win in India. Gambhir wrote:

“Those bursting crackers on Pak winning can’t be Indian! We stand by our boys! #Shameful.”

Sehwag chipped in:

“Firecrackers are banned during Diwali but yesterday in parts of India there were firecrackers to celebrate Pakistan ‘s victory. Achha they must have been celebrating victory of cricket. Toh , what’s the harm in fireworks on Diwali. Hypocrisy kyun ,Saara gyaan tab hi yaad aata hai.”

While some supported the former cricketers’ views, others expressed their disappointment over the stance taken by the two. Sehwag was even called out for tweeting in support of Shami after making the “firecracker” comment.

#5 Waqar Younis’ “Hindu vs Muslim” statement

Former Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis. Pic: Getty Images

The worst of all came from Pakistan legend Waqar Younis. During a discussion on Pakistan’s famous win over India, Waqar told ARY News:

"The manner in which Babar and Rizwan batted, the strike-rotation, the look on their faces, it was amazing. The best thing, what Rizwan did, Mashalla, he offered the Namaz on the ground surrounded by Hindus, that was really something very special for me."

There was massive outrage on social media over Waqar’s shocking take on Pakistan’s historic win. The former fast bowler later issued an apology. He tweeted:

“In the heat of the moment, I said something which I did not mean which has hurt the sentiments of many. I apologise for this, this was not intended at all, genuine mistake. Sports unites people regardless of race, colour or religion. #apologies.”

The damage had already been done though.