Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran played a crucial role in the team’s historic ODI World Cup 2023 win over Pakistan in Chennai.
New Delhi: Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran dedicated his Player of the Match award to the Afghan refugees who were deported back from Pakistan recently. Riding on Zadran’s 87 and fifties from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah, Afghanistan caused a major ODI World Cup 2023 upset beating Pakistan by eight wickets in Chennai on Monday. It was Afghanistan’s first-ever win over Pakistan in ODIs and second of the ongoing competition following their victory over defending champions England.
“I want to dedicate this player of the match award to those people whom Pakistan have sent back to Afghanistan,” Zadran said during the post-match presentation. Chasing 282, Zadran forged 130-run stand for the opening wicket with Gurbaz and then another 60 runs with Rahmat. It was the 96-run unbeaten stand between Rahmat and Shahidi that saw the team home.
The right-hander showered praise on Gurbaz and stated he wanted to score big. “I am very thankful to the almighty that I performed well in this kind of big tournament. I wanted to go there and bat longer to score runs for my side.
“I have had added big partnerships with Gurbaz so many times. We have a good understanding between us. We have played together since the Under-16 stages. He is a good motivator. I am feeling very glad for myself and for my country,” he said.
What Exactly Is Happening With Afghan Refugees In Pakistan?
Based on a BBC report, Pakistan has seen a rise in Afghan refugees since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021. According to the United Nations, approximately 1.3 million Afghan refugees are registered in Pakistan and more 880000 have got legal status to stay.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti claimed around 1.7 million Afghan people are staying illegally in Pakistan referring to the individuals who are yet to get a refugee status. The right to take refuge in a foreign country is mentioned in the International Law.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s state-run radio reported that 3248 Afghan refugees were sent back to Pakistan on October 21. It is understood that more than 51,000 refugees have been deported since the deadline for the removal of undocumented people was announced. The deadline is till November.