“Indian Musalman hume badi support karte hain,” Rana Naved-ul-Hasan makes controversial statement ahead of World Cup

Pakistan are due to play their World Cup games in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

While the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is nearly three months away, there is already a lot of buzz around the India versus Pakistan clash, slated to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 15.

Talking about the high-voltage encounter, former Pakistan pacer Rana Naved-ul-Hasan has made a rather controversial remark, citing that the Men in Green will receive support from the Indian muslims during the showpiece tournament.

Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata are the other four venues where Pakistan’s World Cup matches have been allocated.

Speaking on Nadir Ali's podcast, Naved-ul-Hasan said, "India mein jab India khel rahi hoti hai to definitely wahi favourite honi hai. Pakistan ki team bahot achhi hai. Accha match hoga. Jahan tak crowd ka mamla hai, main samajhta hoon Musalman hain wahan par bahot zyada. Hume unki tarf se bhi support hogi.”

"(To which the host asked Indian Musalman?) Bilkul, Indian Musalman hume badi support karte hain. Main wahan do series khela hoon, Ahmedabad aur Hyderabad mein, bahot sare log aise hain (India remain favourites at home. But there are many Muslims who come out in good numbers to support us.)"

Sharing his experience of playing the now-defunct Indian Cricket League (ICL), Rana said, "Hum ICL khele the wahan par. Inzi bhai (Inzamam-ul-Haq) captain bane the. Indian Cricket League shuru hui thi, usme hume bada support mila wahan par. Hum duniya ki saari teams ke khilaaf khele. Wahan par jo crowd hoti (Muslim crowd) hai, wo bahot support karti hai hume."

Pakistan are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against Netherlands in Hyderabad on October 6.