How Pak cricketers turned J!hadi Maulanas

Cricket is more than just a sport in the subcontinent, particularly in India, it's a religion. However, for Pakistan, cricket assumes an even greater significance. In a deeply religious country, cricket isn't just a recreational activity; it's also a platform for the overt expression of allegiance to radical Islamism.

Pakistani cricketers, who have a massive following in a nation where cricket is the most beloved sport, have on several occasions openly promoted casual bigotry against non-Muslims, especially targeting the Indian cricket team.

Here are some incidents highlighting the support of Pakistani cricketers for radical Islamism:

Waqar Younis' Communal Utterances Against Hindus:
Recently, Pakistani fast bowler Waqar Younis made headlines for expressing his delight when Mohammad Rizwan recited the Namaz in front of Hindus during the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match. His comments received widespread backlash, including from Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle. Younis later issued an apology, but given his previous statement about viewing cricket with the Indian team as "jihad," the apology appeared insincere.
Shoaib Akhtar's Endorsement of the Two-Nation Theory:
Shoaib Akhtar, another Pakistani fast bowler, endorsed the two-nation theory during a cricket show. This theory was the cornerstone of the demand for a separate country for Indian Muslims and led to the partition of India.
Shoaib Akhtar's Ghazwa-e-Hind Prophecy:
Shoaib Akhtar also advocated the extremist ideology of 'Ghazwa-e-Hind,' which envisions the capture of Kashmir and an invasion of India by Islamic forces. This ideology has been used by terrorists to justify attacks in India.
Saeed Anwar's Contempt for Non-Muslims:
Former Pakistani batsman Saeed Anwar expressed contempt for non-Muslims, stating that they would burn in hellfire, and it was the duty of Muslims to save them by converting them to Islam.
Imran Khan's Jihad Remark:
Former Pakistan cricket captain and Former Prime Minister Imran Khan referred to matches against India as 'jihad' and stated that he thought of Kashmir during these matches.
Inzamam-ul-Haq's Assertion About Muslimism:
Inzamam-ul-Haq warned that if Muslims started showing their Muslimism, no one on Earth would remain a non-Muslim.
Saqlain Mushtaq's Conversion Claim:
Former Pakistani bowler Saqlain Mushtaq claimed that conversion to Islam doubles the batting average of a batsman.
This support for radical Islamism among Pakistani cricketers reflects the deep-seated extremism in Pakistani society, which has a history of endorsing militant versions of Islam. The obsession with radical Islamism has fueled hatred against other faiths, particularly Hinduism, and led to discrimination against non-Muslims.
The hatred against non-Muslims is compounded by the unapologetic remarks of notable personalities, including Pakistani cricketers. Cricket holds a special place in Pakistani society, and cricketers are viewed as icons by fans. When these cricketers openly express support for radical Islamism, it underscores the prevalence of extremism among ordinary Pakistanis who idolize them.

This extremist ideology has far-reaching consequences, not only within Pakistan but also in the region. It is crucial to address this radicalization and promote tolerance and coexistence.