NEW DELHI: A fresh cross-border controversy has erupted on social media following a pointed remark by former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja targeting Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The incident unfolded after Pakistan secured a 22-run victory against Australia in the first T20 International match held at Lahore's iconic Gaddafi Stadium.
Prime Minister's Celebratory Post Triggers Response
Soon after Pakistan clinched the series opener, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to the social media platform X to extend his congratulations to the national cricket team. In his post, Sharif described the win as a "proud moment for the nation" and specifically praised Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his instrumental role in strengthening the country's cricket infrastructure.
"Well done Team Pakistan for an electrifying performance against Australia in the first T20I... Proud moment for the nation," the Pakistani leader wrote in his celebratory message that quickly gained traction across social media platforms.
Jadeja's Caustic Remark Goes Viral
Ajay Jadeja, the former Indian cricketer known for his outspoken nature, responded almost immediately with a comment that many interpreted as sarcastic criticism. His remark went viral within minutes of being posted, sparking widespread discussion among cricket fans and observers on both sides of the border.
"Pakistani-yo ki choti choti khushiya. First time seeing a PM's tweet after winning the 1st match of a bilateral series," Jadeja wrote in his response that has since been widely shared and discussed across various social media platforms.
The comment has been interpreted by many as a subtle dig at both the scale of celebration and the context of the victory, suggesting that such enthusiastic official recognition for a bilateral series opener might be disproportionate.
Pakistan's Impressive Performance on Field
While the social media debate raged, Pakistan delivered a strong performance on the cricket field that provided the context for these exchanges. The team made the most of their opportunity ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, with captain Salman Ali Agha leading from the front in a crucial batting position.
Promoted to the number three batting position, Agha smashed a fluent 39 runs during the match. After the game, he confirmed that this batting role would remain locked in for the remainder of the series and the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup tournament.
"Yes, I'll be batting at No.3. We expect to face a lot of spin, and I believe I can dominate spin during the Powerplay," Agha stated confidently during the post-match presentation, outlining his strategic approach for upcoming matches.
Key Performances Secure Victory
The match saw several standout performances from the Pakistani side. Saim Ayub emerged as a dual threat, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. He scored 40 valuable runs at the top of the batting order and later dismissed both Australian openers with his bowling.
Pakistan posted a competitive total of 168 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Their bowlers then effectively choked Australia's chase through strategic use of spin bowling, claiming six crucial wickets and restricting the visitors to 146 runs for eight wickets in their allotted overs.
This victory provides Pakistan with valuable momentum as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, while the social media exchange between Jadeja and the Pakistani Prime Minister's office has added an unexpected diplomatic dimension to what began as a sporting contest.
