The Pakistani military’s chief spokesman has advised spectators against donning military gear at Sunday’s final of the 2019 Pakistan Super League (PSL).
In a tweet on Thursday, Major General Asif Ghafoor, the director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), noted that Pakistani fans wanted to show up at the PSL finale wearing military-style caps and shirts.
This would be seen as a response to the Indian cricket team’s move to wear camouflage caps in a recent ODI against Australia, which Pakistan has vehemently criticised.
But Maj Gen Ghafoor reminded such citizens that “Sports are beyond politics”.
“Pak Armed Forces humbly acknowledge your love [and] support,” he wrote, adding that the bond between the people and armed forces of the country was “beyond such gestures alone”.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had lodged a protest with the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the Indian cricket team last week wore camouflage caps during their third ODI match against Australia “as [a] mark of tribute to the loss of lives in Pulwama terror attack and the armed forces”.
Dear Pakistanis u are desirous to put on military style caps/shirts during PSL Final. Pak Armed Forces humbly acknowledge your love & support. Sports are beyond politics & we believe that our bondage is beyond such gestures alone. Enjoy the game in CityOfLights.#PakistanZindabad
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) March 14, 2019
