Controversy erupts as Pakistan fan instructed to cover shirt while in attendance for the 4th Test at Manchester.
Following a social media controversy involving a fan being requested to cover up their Pakistani shirt during the fourth Test match between England and India at Old Trafford, Lancashire has said that they are looking into the matter.
The fan, who goes by Farooq Nazar in Pakistani media, shared a video on social media showing how a member of the ground security team first asked him to hide the jersey, which was a duplicate of Pakistan’s classic green limited-overs uniform.
The security guard, who identifies himself as working for Lancashire, says: “I’ve been asked by control if you can cover that shirt up, please.” Later on, a steward can be heard saying the shirt “might be considered nationalistic”.
Nazar is seen in the video growing more upset in response to repeated attempts to hide. A policeman eventually approaches him and requests that they carry on the talk outside of the stands. Then, instead of covering his shirt, Nazar reportedly chose to get off the ground.
Following a brief military conflict in May, the long-frozen political ties between India and Pakistan have reached their highest point this year. These difficulties have affected the BCCI and PCB’s relationship; since 2012–13, the two teams have not played a bilateral series, and since 2007–08, they have not played Test cricket. Additionally, it has increasingly proven challenging for them to attend ICC events organised by either nation.
Lancashire acknowledged they were investigating the incident, however it is unclear whether day of the Test—which finished in a tie as India batted their way through five sessions—it occurred.
“We are aware of the incident referenced and are taking steps to understand the facts and context surrounding the matter fully,” a Lancashire spokesperson said.