Ibrahim Zadran Dedicates PoTM Award To Afghan Refugees Being Forced To Leave Pakistan

The 21-year-old Afghanistan National Cricket Team star opening batsman Ibrahim Zadran won the Player of the Match award in the 22nd match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against Pakistan National Cricket Team at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai on Monday, October 23.

Chasing the 283-run target, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) and Ibrahim Zadran (87) provided Afghanistan with a sensational start. The duo added 130 runs in 128 balls for the opening wicket and frustrated Babar Azam & Co.

Ibrahim Zadran played a wonderful knock and hit 87 runs off 113 balls. He also hit 10 fours during his innings. The youngster was awarded Player of the Match for his performance and speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, he dedicated his award to Afghan refugees who are being forced to leave Pakistan.

“I would like to dedicate this MoTM award to the people who were sent from Pakistan to back home Afghanistan,” he said.

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MoM Ibrahim Zadran dedicated his award to the Afghani refugees being deported by Pakistan.

Ignoring UN human rights calls to stop, Pakistan has announced 1.7mn Afghan refugees deportation back to Afghanistan.#PAKvsAFG pic.twitter.com/AsynCl7kTQ

— The Hawk Eye (@thehawkeyex) October 23, 2023

Reportedly, 600,000 Afghans have fled to Pakistan since the Taliban’s ascension to power in 2021. And recently the Pakistan government ordered the Afghan refugees to go back home and threatened to arrest them. As per VOA, almost 52,000 men, women, and children have already returned to Afghanistan.

I wanted to go out there with a positive mind – Ibrahim Zadran

Ibrahim Zadran also said that he wanted to play with a positive mindset and intent against Pakistan. He also credited Rahmanullah Gurbaz for supporting him well during their partnership. Ibrahim Zadran said:

“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. 

“The way Gurbaz supported me (in that opening partnership) – that helped me and we got the momentum in our favour. I am feeling great for myself and my country.”

Afghanistan won by 8 wickets against Pakistan with 6 balls remaining and this was their first win against the Men In Green in eight ODIs.