Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan on Saturday (12) brutally hit back at Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif who recently took a harsh dig at the Indian cricket team after it lost the semi-final of the T20 World Cup against England in Adelaide by 10 wickets on Thursday (10) to crash out of the tournament.
Soon after the game, Sharif tweeted, “So, this Sunday, it’s: 152/0 vs 170/0 #T20WorldCup." suggesting the 10-wicket losses that India suffered in the hands of arch-rivals Pakistan in the T20 World Cup in Dubai last year and England this year.
Pakistan made the final on Wednesday (9) by defeating New Zealand by 7 wickets to set up a replay of the 1992 World Cup (50 over) title clash with England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday (13).
On Saturday, Pathan, 38, responded to the Pakistani premier's tweet saying, “Aap mein or hum mein fark yehi hai. Hum apni khushi se khush or aap dusre ke taklif se. Is liye khud ke mulk ko behtar karne pe dhyan nahi hai (This is the difference between you and us. We are happy with ourselves, you look for happiness when others are in trouble. That is why you are not concentrating on your country's well-being)."
Earlier in the day, Pakistan captain Babar Azam was asked about the tweet, during a pre-match presser in Melbourne, and whther such posts put more pressure on the team.
“There is no pressure as such. But sorry to say, I didn't see this tweet so I have no knowledge of it. But yes we just try to give our best against the opposition," the ace batter said.
Sachin Tendulkar of India celebrates his 50th Test century during day 4 of the 1st Test match between South Africa and India at SuperSport Park on December 19, 2010 in Centurion, South Africa. Photo by Duif du Toit / Gallo Images/Getty Images
Cheteshwar Pujara of India celebrates after reaching his century during day one of the Fourth Test match in the series between Australia and India at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 03, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images