PCB to probe into Shehzad-Dilshan religious chat
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ISLAMABAD: Religious comments by Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad to Sri Lanka player Tillakaratne Dilshan after their one-day international last Saturday are being investigated by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
While the players were walking back to the dressing room in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, Shehzad was caught on camera telling Dilshan “if you are a non-Muslim and you turn Muslim, no matter whatever you do in your life, straight to heaven. “
Dilshan's reply was not audible, and Shehzad went on to say, “Then be ready for the fire.“
Shehzad was summoned to PCB headquarters in Lahore on Wednesday and asked about his comments, board general manager media Agha Akbar told the Associated Press.
“Ahmed has informed the PCB that it was his personal chat with Dilshan, and there was nothing more to it,” Akbar said.
“What we understand is that no Sri Lanka Cricket official or our own manager lodged any complaint.“
However, Akbar said the PCB was still investigating the matter. Dilshan was born to a Muslim father and a Buddhist mother and was known as Tuwan Mohamed Dilshan.
He shed his Muslim name shortly after his international debut in 1999 and took up the name Tillakaratne Mudiyanselage Dilshan with an ethnic Sinhalese-Buddhist identity.
His childhood coach Ranjan Paranavitana said even though Dilshan carried a Muslim name, he and his brothers and sisters followed their mother's religion from their childhood.
Dilshan scored an unbeaten 50 on Saturday and powered the home team to a seven-wicket victory in the ODI series decider.
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On DawnNews
Comments (111) Closed
Sep 03, 2014 06:20pm
I think he should join Jamaat instead of Cricket team, its a noble cause but when playing, he should concentrate on game i think.
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Sep 03, 2014 06:23pm
PCB should investigate this matter thoroughly. The words echoed by Shahzad if they are true showed his frustration and his limited thinking. Religion is a sensitive matter for all and it is always advisable not to speak on this matter. Hope PCB able to show some teeth to prevent happening of such incidents in future.
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Sep 03, 2014 06:29pm
If no complain was made by the Srilankan squad, then there was no point in making this news.
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Sep 03, 2014 06:38pm
what a shame
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Sep 03, 2014 06:55pm
Sports and religion needs to kept apart. If Dilshan had said something bad about religion then it would have spoiled the name of PCB and Pakistan. The players need an advice to restrain from such adventures on cricket ground. When you are in a stadium, you represent the nation. It would be a bad tradition to tarnish inter-religion tolerance.
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Sep 03, 2014 06:55pm
Sad...
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Sep 03, 2014 07:15pm
No free ticket to heaven even if you're a Muslim, Islam puts strict emphasis on practice and humble preaching.
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Sep 03, 2014 07:16pm
Another silly error by Pakistani player.
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Sep 03, 2014 07:20pm
It is said that "If it is not broken; don't fix it". If nobody complained don't make a case. It is about time to concentrate on the performance of our players, particularly our captain.
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Sep 03, 2014 07:30pm
Thanks, inzamam!
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Sep 03, 2014 07:31pm
I don't understand why this is being presented in such a bad light. It probably was said jokingly and they're probably mates off the field. People are too quick to assume that there was an insult in this dialogue. There wasn't a complaint lodged because they're probably was no offense caused.
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Sep 03, 2014 07:48pm
Religion is a private matter, why do some people need to shove their beliefs on others. If I was head of PCB and if this was proven right, I would've had suspended him for few games at least, so he could learn his lesson.
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Sep 03, 2014 08:08pm
If shezad wud become like Dilshan, he could have score run like him
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Sep 03, 2014 08:12pm
Freed of speech guys, freedom of speech!
If not complaint was lodged by either side then just move on.
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Sep 03, 2014 08:16pm
What people are making an issue out of it. It was a personal chat. No worries about it.
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Sep 03, 2014 08:20pm
As it is said: 'Little knowledge is more dangerous then no knowledge.'
This kind of incidents will keep happening when our players are not well-educated or not well-groomed mentally. He should have been asking Dilshan about his batting & fielding techniques. It's everyone's personal matter that what religion one follows. You can preach, but better yourself first.Thanks.
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Sep 03, 2014 08:23pm
From PCB there should be code of conduct to be followed in cricket field. Players should know the penalty for all the offenses. Before every international tour PCB has to update this code to the players.
If players don't follow simply penalize them. Does PCB(with 700/800 employes) has some thing like that???
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Sep 03, 2014 08:28pm
Stupidity at its best.
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Sep 03, 2014 09:13pm
It's a personal chat, no body complained. No harm to discuss religion in social gatherings as long as this is not hurting anyone.
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Sep 03, 2014 09:47pm
Why so much fuss about this? as long as it was a private chat between the two, who cares what he said??
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Sep 03, 2014 09:48pm
@khurram Zia Khan ... Well Said Sir!!!
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Sep 03, 2014 10:16pm
@Shahid : yes sir, imagine if this statement came from other side, would you still consider this a freedom of speech!
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Sep 03, 2014 10:29pm
Shahzad just cant stay away out of trouble!
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Sep 03, 2014 10:54pm
This guy is big-headed and problem maker. PCB needs to take good care of him.
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Sep 03, 2014 11:02pm
All the people saying no need to raise this issue please think if it was reverse. How would it affect your personal as well as national pride?
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Sep 03, 2014 11:25pm
This just reveals the level of religious knowledge of an average Muslim who has never read the Quran with an effort understand it. This is a failure of the parents, a failure of the education system, and a failure of the PCB. The PCB is responsible for the training of these sports ambassadors of the country. I wonder if there is program set up in this regard. Education and Training (tarbiyah) followed by testing has to be an integral part of public relations in every State institution.
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Sep 03, 2014 11:27pm
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Sep 03, 2014 11:37pm
if this is personal chat then it should not be on headlines.
over efficiency by PCB but not where required.
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Sep 03, 2014 11:41pm
@Yasser Masood True
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Sep 03, 2014 11:52pm
@Yasser Masood yup, that's a fact, but what can you expect from our players? They are as insensitive as our society.
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Sep 03, 2014 11:54pm
@Peace not at all. But a person should mind his own business. In this case , playing for pakistan .
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Sep 03, 2014 11:57pm
He was only showing someone the correct path to take. Why is PCB making a issue out of it.
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Sep 03, 2014 11:59pm
@Hussain, Shehzad has no business talking faith, it does not matter of how Dilshan responded. It is a shameful and it is news.
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Sep 04, 2014 12:28am
a messed up mindset -there can not be anything personal when it is on field and on a tour
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Sep 04, 2014 12:43am
@Concered!! I think he should've said this in test series just to mess up with his mind.
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Sep 04, 2014 12:47am
Imagine if Dishan had said to him that if u convert to bhudhism you'll also be able to score runs like me.
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Sep 04, 2014 02:10am
Even if we do not believe he's doing him a favor, religion is part of life and talking about life should not be considered offensive. PCB has nothing to do with it. Leave players alone.
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Sep 04, 2014 02:33am
There is no need to penalize to any player but provide full code of conduct which is must be following by every player . Players should be more educated then he capable to decide what is right or wrong in life. Nobody can get safe move to heaven due to Their religion following and faith . Worship is great rather than any religion, it decide that which person is best for human being .
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Sep 04, 2014 02:55am
If no complaint was lodged by Dilshan, then why give this news a prominence ?Press thrives on sensationalism, for no reason, it has started a controversy.PCB should stay out of it.
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Sep 04, 2014 03:07am
@abc ,When come to someone correct parth could be others badest parth. It is upto individuals.
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Sep 04, 2014 03:58am
Pakistani cricketers need to educated not to bring religion in a game of cricket. Why Izamam's legacy still prevails?
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Sep 04, 2014 04:55am
I blame our Cricket Board. They should be teaching the players on how to conduct/present themselves, stay away from corruption, etc. When our cricket board is incapable of running professionally, what do you expect the players to do?
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Sep 04, 2014 05:02am
Recent events taking place in the country have made me realize we should ban cricket. A sport hardly played outside 4 commonwealth countries has brought only misrepute. From match fixers, cheaters, drug addicts and a egocentric politician whose cult has attacked from state institutions to brave police officers. We should look towards Olympic sports.
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Sep 04, 2014 05:45am
@Farraz Dilshan could have slapped him back and claimed the slap to be "personal" . How about that ?
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Sep 04, 2014 05:45am
An issue for no reason. Let me get this right, players swear at eachother on the field and that's not noteworthy. This was a personal chat. They have a life beyond the fid as well. Over efficiency where none was required.
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Sep 04, 2014 06:00am
Exactly what rule has been violated here?
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Sep 04, 2014 06:31am
@abc
How do you know what the correct path is? Has someone from the hereafter spoken to you? The correct path is to find your own path and let others find theirs. All religions and the followers of said religions think theirs is the chosen path. God has no religion, my friend.
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Sep 04, 2014 07:23am
I dont think so,that its a matter of making issue,Shezad did not say any thing that hurt the sentiments of Dilshan,he just simply give dawah,I advice PCB to concerntrate on many other serious issue to make cricket of Pakistan better and dont interfear the personal life of others
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Sep 04, 2014 07:46am
Shahzad pulled the "Brimstone and Fire" card. How original! Buddhists don't believe in heaven and he'll. What a simpleton!
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Sep 04, 2014 08:13am
Cricket is like a Shakespeare play replete with corruption, greed, deception, sorcerers, clerics, demagogues and proselytizers.
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Sep 04, 2014 09:19am
If this can happen to a players of another country..and in other country, I can very well imagine what must be condition of a NON Muslim player of Pakistan cricket team..
i am sure he must be shown door to HEAVEN daily..
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Sep 04, 2014 09:37am
Dilshan was born to a Muslim father and a Buddhist mother and was known as Tuwan Mohamed Dilshan.
He shed his Muslim name shortly after his international debut in 1999 and took up the name Tillakaratne Mudiyanselage Dilshan with an ethnic Sinhalese-Buddhist identity.
So perhaps Shahzad wanted him back.. And its no surprise what he might have said and thought about Shahzad's offer.
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Sep 04, 2014 09:45am
@Shahid free speech comes with responsibility.
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Sep 04, 2014 10:16am
@Mustafa you are probably too 'civilized' to understand that!
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Sep 04, 2014 10:17am
That's what most retired cricketers do !!! I have seen most of them @ matches here in uk . Including inzi , junaid etc . Is he gonna retire soon?? Good career move!!!
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Sep 04, 2014 10:22am
What Ahmed Shehzad said to Dilshan is characteristic of the religious intolerance and bigotry which are prevalent in Pakistan. His self-righteousness should be highlighted and condemned by the PCB. If enough people don't speak up against issues like these, we will continue to breed a generation of bigots and religious zealots who use instruments like the Blasphemy Law to persecute and kill anyone who does not conform to their set of beliefs.
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Sep 04, 2014 10:25am
Who is to say that shehzad started preaching Islam all of a sudden. Maybe dilshan asked something or maybe it was just a friendly chat. I'm sure no one will go and tell every non Muslim that convert to Islam. I hope it's not a big deal. Shehzad is one good player that can become a great for Pakistan.
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Sep 04, 2014 10:52am
bravo .... Shahzad !!! work and worship should always go together .....
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Sep 04, 2014 11:00am
Why are most of Pakistani players so obsessed with religion? There is no problem in following religion strictly , but you don't push that into others' throats. Something fundamentally wrong going on with the players.
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Sep 04, 2014 11:25am
Good Muslim boy, just been pulverized but more interested in life after. Should be rewarded with highest religious award for spreading Islam in adversary. Is it not anti islamic to do this investigation and should we charge the PCB Chairman with blasphamey? How dare he.
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Sep 04, 2014 11:59am
i think pcb should hold grooming classes for it's players and advise them on how to talk to people of different cultures and what not to say.
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Sep 04, 2014 12:00pm
What further investigation is required when there's documented proof that Ahmed Shehzad said this. Such acts should not be tolerated.
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Sep 04, 2014 12:36pm
@Ronnie your two words explains the whole thing.
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Sep 04, 2014 12:51pm
Many people are saying that its just a freedom of speech and a personal chat..
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Sep 04, 2014 12:55pm
Previously it was Shoiab Mallik who
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Sep 04, 2014 12:57pm
The fact that this item has been provided the main space on dawn shows the tilt of dawn and its editors. I dont see any issue as long as it stays between the players. After all my Indian colleagues speak about "supposed superiority" of Hinduis. But its not a big deal, anyone can say what they want to say, Dilshan or in my example, myself, is a mature person who could decide for himself. People frequently talk about taboo subjects but its okay as along as their is no coercion involved. So I would request Dawn to shed this apologetic attitude. As for Shehzad belief's about hellfire, its his personal belief, which might not have anything to do with true religion, again I do not see any issues here. I do not understand that hoopla around this.
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Sep 04, 2014 01:22pm
He should have just replied to him - "You and your country will become much more peaceful if you convert to Buddhism ( Buddhist as your forefathers were),may be possible your country will become look like heaven"
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Sep 04, 2014 01:23pm
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Sep 04, 2014 01:45pm
So the so called "Large Hearted" pakistanis do not even have heart to tolerate a player's religions, who isn't even playing in their team, to let him play with them in peace and mind his own business.
I totally understand what Yousaf Yohana had gone through while playing under senior like Inzamam, Saqlain and Mushtaq.
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Sep 04, 2014 01:51pm
What a noble initiative taken by Ahmed Shehzad. I think all player should be encouraged to give dawah to non-muslim players of all teams, including Pakistan, to earn saw'ab to secure there place in jannah.
Pakistan Cricket Board should be renamed to Pakistani Dawah and cricket board under leader ship of Inzamam.
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Sep 04, 2014 01:54pm
I think PCB should hire some molanas instead of cricketing skilled coaches for the good performance of Pakistani cricket team.
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Sep 04, 2014 02:05pm
Well no doubt preaching Islam is one of the best work but there is a way to preach someone. First need to make someone understand that what is Islam then start preaching. The way he preached leaves the bad impression of Muslims or Islam.
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Sep 04, 2014 02:21pm
It was probably just two friends talking but it is good that PCB is looking into it. If nothing else, it will be educational for Shahzad not to discuss Religion, Gender, Sexual Bias or Race as a sports ambassador representing Pakistan.
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Sep 04, 2014 02:37pm
@abc Correct path indeed ! You guys are simply out of the world.
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Sep 04, 2014 02:50pm
@abc And I tell you that all you guys are on the wrong path. Revert or you will regret!!
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Sep 04, 2014 03:00pm
It is silly on part of BCP that they have started investigation on a private chat between two cricketers. Let's talk in some sense. This is an example of excessive intervention of media in our society.
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Sep 04, 2014 03:31pm
PCB should not probe personal matters!
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Sep 04, 2014 04:20pm
May be he should concentrate on his game a bit more. If he is that keen to promote religion, the n give up cricket and do tableegh instead.
On second thoughts, the way some of the Pakistani team play a little divine intervention may be in order!!
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Sep 04, 2014 05:13pm
@abc it is worst path of humanity. No pun seeing the world around as Islam is. He made a good decision to be what he is.
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Sep 04, 2014 05:36pm
@nauman Religion also a personal matter, why somebody interfering somebody,s religious matter.
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Sep 04, 2014 05:38pm
@Ali You are telling no harm to discuss religion in that way, but if Dilshan do the same your reaction will be same?
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Sep 04, 2014 06:03pm
@Ravi Dallas TX Not just players my friend
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Sep 04, 2014 06:10pm
@khurram Zia Khan "The words echoed by Shahzad if they are true"
I can confirm that its true. I saw the video which had an audio track.
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Sep 04, 2014 06:19pm
Shehzads statement goes to show the Illiterate mindset of the whole team. Education is a must for these folks. They come from the streets with obtuse thinking and street mentality. A little fame with them really messes with their mind and they actually start believing that they are above all, just like the Jahil Mullahs. It would serve PCB well to educate them in forward thinking and ways of the world, where the platform is. I do not consider folks like these as Ambassadors of Pakistan. A quick fix is to place a gag order on them in talking to any external international player.
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Sep 04, 2014 06:25pm
A little advise for you. Convert to a better player and you will straight get entry into Pakistan side. Otherwise you are straight going to get fired! :-)
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Sep 04, 2014 06:28pm
@Mobeen Tahir "It was probably just two friends talking but it is good that PCB is looking into it."
I seriously doubt if a guy like Dilshan will have an obvious zealot like Shehzad as a friend.
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Sep 04, 2014 07:10pm
People who think that it is private matter are mistaken. He made the comments on a cricket field while he was still in the team uniform, so he must go through disciplinary consequences. I agree with other comments that the players need to go through basic etiquette training to represent a nation at an international level. A lot of Pakistanis (not all) have a problem with intolerance and biases that surface time after time, whether it is religion (non-Muslims or any sect outside of major Sunnis) or color of skin, I have noticed that we joke about it like it is OK to make fun and judge people who are different. Kids learn to judge at an early age and they represent these biased feelings/emotions later in life. No one is superior based on religion, ethnicity and color of skin.
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Sep 04, 2014 07:31pm
The only rule he violated was that of common sense. His parents and the Muslims must be so proud!
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Sep 04, 2014 07:54pm
Shahzad should be getting tips from Dilshan instead. He should also go through diversity / sensitivity training.
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Sep 04, 2014 08:04pm
Why should some talk going on between two individuals become a news? Does any one know why and how this talk started between them?
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Sep 04, 2014 08:13pm
Naughty Shahzad. Just joking with his friend! Why so fury.
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Sep 04, 2014 08:13pm
Surprised by the comments here that if there's no complaint, then why this is the news. let me put it around ,what if Dilshan would have said something like that "Convert to Budhism, and straight to heaven or get ready for fire". what would have these people said ?? This all sounds like a referral scheme to me, like Amway type stuff, make more members and earn more money.. whether the scheme is good for them or not, why care.. LOL
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Sep 04, 2014 11:42pm
Now I know the reason for high crime rate among muslims. They think that no matter what they do - they have aplace in heaven. And what has Shahzad to say about muslims killing muslims. Will both go to heaven ?
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Sep 04, 2014 11:43pm
@abc idiotic comment. People like you bring bad name to Islam.
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Sep 05, 2014 12:56am
I think probe should be against PCB for not providing proper training and guidance to the cricketers
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Sep 05, 2014 01:19am
@Syed Zaheer Ali
it is about preventing from breaking next time.
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Sep 05, 2014 05:07am
How stupid of this man!!!! This is 2014, and he's brain washed to say "if you become muslim, no matter what you do, you go straight to haven".
No wonder Islamic state and other terror groups are able to recruit such stupid people and send them to straigh to Haven.
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Sep 05, 2014 05:59am
@Nazir Ahmed ...Really?
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Sep 05, 2014 07:21am
i do not understand why did Dawn publish this news?
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Sep 05, 2014 08:41am
@Muhammad Hamza "He simply gave dawah". Since when did it become Shehzad's job to distribute religious dawah to other team's cricket players. I would think Shehzad and his team mates need some dawah themselves to improve their cricket (which by the way is what they are on the field for, not distributing unsolicited dawah).
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Sep 05, 2014 08:51am
Shame on pakistan. This is the general mindset of pakistanis
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Sep 05, 2014 03:12pm
@Shahid When a Pakistani player does that it is 'Freedom of speech'. If a Sri Lankan had done that ?
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Sep 05, 2014 03:17pm
@joe There are no non Muslim players in Pakistani cricket team.
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Sep 05, 2014 06:59pm
@Mustafa : the most important RULE as a human being "TOLERANCE". are u not a human?
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Sep 05, 2014 08:16pm
@Shahid Yes Freedom of "Speech" exactly not Freedom of Rudeness and Arrogance.
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Sep 06, 2014 09:29am
@Qadir : Please oh please tell me you were just being sarcastic and you didn't really mean it. Holding my breath...
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Sep 06, 2014 10:49am
Now we have CRICKET JIHAD.
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Sep 06, 2014 10:51am
Now we know why poor Dinesh converted to Danish.
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Sep 06, 2014 10:50pm
Reminds of Inzi & co days
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Sep 07, 2014 10:48am
If you are a perfect Muslim then you may preach your religion otherwise others will point out your shortcomings and will make you answer less.
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Sep 07, 2014 04:17pm
What a primitive thinking. People need to find out who are this guys mentors.
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