Dubai: After the heartbreaking five-wicket loss against Pakistan in a super 12 match of the T20 World Cup 2021 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan skipper Mohammad Nabi gracefully shut down a journalist, who tried to ask him questions regarding the country’s political relations with Pakistan at the post-match press conference.
The journalist asked him if there was pressure for players because of the change of governments. The journalist also asked about the new era and if the relationship with Pakistan is better than in the past, will it help Afghanistan cricket flourish more.
Taken aback by the questions Nabi replied, “Can we talk about cricket leaving aside the situation? It would be better if we talk about cricket. We are here for the World Cup after taking proper preparations. So, you may ask any questions related to cricket.” check out Nabi’s response that is being wowed by fans:
Whoever this journalist is a disgrace to journalism and cricket – and all respect for Muhammad Nabi for handling the situation gracefully. Respect and love 💗 pic.twitter.com/ICpCQV3hjs
— Shiraz Hassan (@ShirazHassan) October 29, 2021
Well done, @MohammadNabi007 #PakvsAfg #PAKvAFG #Afghanistan #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/eJRfIdQVhA
— Yusra Askari (@YusraSAskari) October 29, 2021
A journalist trying to troll Afghanistan's captain by asking questions that are not about cricket. A shame that such so called journalists behave like this without shame. Everyone knows what Afghanistan is going through. What is the need to troll Afghanistan's cricket team for it pic.twitter.com/B3X9CpjiPN
— Ihtesham Afghan (@IhteshamAfghan) October 29, 2021
However, despite Nabi not wanting to answer the question, the journalist kept on urging him.
Later, the ICC official told the journalist Hamid, ‘I am sorry to ask you to leave midway.’
After electing to bat first, Afghanistan posted 147 for six in their 20 overs. Riding on fighting knocks by Mohammad Nabi (35 off 32) and Gulbadin Naib (35 off 25), Afghanistan posted a total of 147/6 in 20 overs. Apart from Nabi and Naib, Najibullah Zadran (22) and Karim Janat (15) also made important contributions with the bat for Afghanistan. While defending the total, the Afghans fought hard as Pakistan needed 24 runs to win off their last 12 balls.
“We didn’t start well but the total on the board was a decent one for this pitch. We discussed that 150 would be a good score and so we dug deep. And then got some runs in the last few overs. I think three spinners are enough. Rashid bowled at the right time and we tried to take the game deep. Asif Ali played well in the 19th over. Lot of positives from today’s game. We fought really well till the end,” Nabi said at the post-match presentation.
