World Cup: Ibrahim dedicates award to Afghan refugees sent back from PAK

I want to dedicate this Man of the Match award to those who are sent back to Afghanistan from Pakistan, says Ibrahim Zadran after a match-winning knock in a historic win against Pakistan

Following the match-winning knock of 87 runs against Pakistan, Afghanistan batter Ibrahim Zadran dropped a bombshell after receiving Player of the match away in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Zadran gave his Player of the Match honour to the deported Afghans from Pakistan.

Ramiz Raja was taking the interview after the Player of the Match presentation ceremony. 

"I am feeling very glad for myself and for my country. I want to dedicate this man of the match award to those who are sent back to Afghanistan from Pakistan," Zadran said in a post-match presentation.

Check ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 points table here
 

Zadran top-scored with 87, Shah was unbeaten on 77, and Gurbaz hit 65 off 53 balls. Captain Hasmatullah Shahidi also made an important contribution, scoring 48 runs off 45 balls.

"I wanted to go out there with a positive mind and positive intent, and I did it. We (Gurbaz and himself) have played a lot of cricket with each other, we have good communication while running between the wickets as we have been playing together since under-16 days," said the Afghanistan opener.

 

Ibrahim wants to frame his bat

In a video posted by ICC, Ibrahim said he wanted to frame the bat from which he scored an 87-run knock against Pakistan. However, he seemed disappointed he missed the opportunity to hit the century.

 

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What is the Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan?

The state-run radio of Pakistan has reported that 3,248 Afghan refugees were returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan in a single day on October 21, Khaama Press reported. According to Pakistani authorities, more than 51,000 Afghans have been deported since the deadline for the expulsion of undocumented migrants was announced.

According to a Pakistan-based news daily, the government's decision to restrict border crossing to only those with valid passports and visas will come into effect on November 1, and after that, no one will be allowed to cross the Pak-Afghan border using a Pakistani identity card or Afghan permit. Approximately 1.73 million Afghans in Pakistan lack legal documentation.