The irresponsible comments of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan about the international players who attended the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in Lahore were shocking to say the least. A video in which Mr Khan uttered derogatory remarks went viral on the internet causing much outrage.
Although the stance of Imran Khan was understandable when the announcement was made of holding the final in Lahore, his constant criticism despite massive participation and appreciation from the people, even members of his own party, has left a bad taste even among his followers. The recent comments have further worsened it as he termed the international players participating in the PSL final as ‘phateechar’, and passed some other remarks which were termed offensive and racist by many. “I don’t even know the name of any of these so-called foreign players. It seems they just picked up players from wherever. Picked some from Africa and called them foreign players,” said Khan. This all has happened at a moment when Peshawar Zalmi has won the final and were the only team who were able to convince their foreign players to come to Pakistan. Those included were world cup winners with a huge fan following around the world. Moreover, the statement also coincided with KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak’s announcement of rewarding the Zalmi’s with Rs 20 million.
Staying true to one’s stance on an issue is understandable, as Imran Khan had rightly pointed out the problems that one game will create for the citizens. But keeping in view his stature as a former international cricketer and a popular politician in the country, the choice of words should have been mature in subsequent days. Mr. Khan should apologise and clarify his statement with regards to the players even if it were made out of fun or any other context.
At least Imran Khan (the cricketer) was expected to praise the game, considering his stature in the international cricket arena to help change perceptions towards Pakistan. But it seems that stature is fading away and has been taken over by a disagreeable figure that is responsible for such uncalled actions. National leaders influence millions, and they need to think of the consequences of what they say even in jest.
