India’s No. 1 YouTuber, Dhruv Rathee, recently sparked a debate with his latest post on X (formerly Twitter), where he shared a striking image from the Lahore stadium during the England vs. Australia match.
The picture featured a young Pakistani fan proudly sporting a jersey with Indian cricket star Virat Kohli’s name on it—an uncommon sight that raised an important question.
Rathee, known for his outspoken views, highlighted the contrast in reactions between the two countries. “During today’s England vs. Australia match in Lahore, a Pakistani fan was seen wearing Virat Kohli’s jersey. Just imagine the outrage if an Indian fan wore a jersey of Babar Azam or any other Pakistani player in India!”
His remarks shed light on Pakistan’s unbiased admiration for Indian cricketers, showcasing a spirit of sportsmanship that transcends borders.
But what if the situation were reversed? If an Indian fan wore a Babar Azam jersey in India, the reaction would likely be intense. The individual could face severe online trolling, accusations of being “anti-national,” and even harassment in public.
Right-wing groups and media outlets might sensationalize the incident, while politicians could exploit it to push nationalist narratives. In extreme cases, legal complaints could even be filed for “hurting national sentiments.”
Rathee’s post has sparked discussions on this stark contrast, questioning the growing intolerance in India compared to Pakistan’s more accepting attitude in such matters.