Pakistani Fan’s Frustration Goes Viral: Urges ICC to Separate India-Pakistan in Events
4 min read
Dubai: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has once again witnessed the high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan, but this time, a Pakistani cricket fan’s emotional outburst has stolen the limelight. A viral video featuring a distraught supporter pleading with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to place India and Pakistan in separate groups has sparked widespread reactions across social media.
India Clinches Another Victory Over Pakistan
On Sunday, India comfortably defeated Pakistan by six wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the fifth Group A match of the tournament. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan posted a target of 241 runs. However, India, led by captain Rohit Sharma, chased it down with ease in just 42.3 overs. It was Virat Kohli who sealed the victory, sending Indian fans into jubilation while leaving Pakistan supporters heartbroken.
This defeat has put Pakistan’s semi-final hopes in jeopardy. With two consecutive losses and a net run rate of -1.087, they now depend on India and Bangladesh to defeat New Zealand in the remaining group-stage matches to have any chance of progressing further.
Fan’s Viral Plea to ICC
Amid the disappointment, a Pakistani fan named Siddique recorded an emotional appeal, urging ICC to consider placing India and Pakistan in separate groups for future tournaments. The video quickly gained traction online, with thousands sharing and commenting on his passionate rant.
“Dear ICC, I have a request for you. Please place Pakistan and India in separate groups for ICC events. Watching this yearly humiliation has driven us insane,” he said in the video, highlighting Pakistan’s recurring defeats against their arch-rivals in ICC tournaments.
He further sarcastically suggested that if ICC insists on keeping India and Pakistan in the same group for revenue purposes, then a portion of the profits should be allocated to Pakistani fans for hospital treatments.
“If your goal is to make money by keeping Pakistan and India in the same group since you apparently can’t generate profits from any other match, then at least give us a share of those earnings. That way, we can get ourselves treated at a good hospital because this annual embarrassment is becoming unbearable for us,” he added.
Watch the video below:
"Another Salana Bezati"
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) February 23, 2025
"Dear ICC,
As a fan of Pakistan, I humbly request that plz consider separating Pakistan and India into different groups. We're tired of facing defeats and humiliation on yearly Basis. If that's not possible, could you at least give Pakistan fans a share… pic.twitter.com/E7vgT2tl1j
Pakistan’s Dismal Performance in Group A
Following their latest defeat, Pakistan remains at the bottom of Group A with zero points. India, on the other hand, leads the standings with four points and a positive net run rate of 0.647. New Zealand is in second place with two points, while Bangladesh sits in third.
In Group B, South Africa is currently leading the table, followed by Australia in second, England in third, and Afghanistan in fourth.
Background: India’s Dominance Over Pakistan in ICC Events
India and Pakistan’s rivalry is one of the most celebrated matchups in international cricket. However, in ICC events, India has historically dominated, with Pakistan managing only a handful of victories. The last time Pakistan defeated India in an ICC event was during the 2021 T20 World Cup, breaking a long-standing streak of losses.
For years, ICC has been strategically placing the two teams in the same group to maximize viewership and revenue. Their encounters generate millions in advertising revenue and ensure record-breaking TRP ratings. However, for Pakistani fans, the repeated heartbreaks have now turned into frustration, as seen in the viral video.
What’s Next?
Pakistan’s road to the semi-finals now hinges on an unlikely combination of results. They not only need to win their last group-stage game convincingly but also require favorable outcomes from other teams. Meanwhile, India is in a commanding position and looks set to progress to the knockout stage comfortably.
As the tournament progresses, it remains to be seen whether ICC will address such concerns or continue capitalizing on one of cricket’s biggest rivalries. For now, the viral plea from a heartbroken Pakistani fan remains a symbol of the emotional rollercoaster that India-Pakistan cricket encounters bring every year.
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