Pakistani netizens have asked Indian fans and sports journalists to respect the boundaries of cricketer Muhammad Rizwan.
Pakistani sports journalist Brashna Kasi commented on the video of a female Indian cricket fan who talked about how Rizwan refused to take a picture with her. The Indian female fan had asked Rizwan to take a picture with her during a practice session. She said at first Rizwan refused but later agreed upon being insisted.
She said Rizwan was reluctant to take a solo selfie with her for religious reasons. Girl quoted Rizwan as saying that since he has a strong religious inclination, he does not take pictures with female fans. The girl added that Rizwan asked other people to join for the picture.
The Indian fan asserted that Rizwan stood at a distance with a fence in between; it was not a selfie but a doorfie. She kept talking about how Rizwan did not accede to her request to stand close for a selfie. Commenting on the video, Kasi has requested fans across the border to respect his boundaries.
people need to understand rizwan's bought up is different, he's from a very religious family & extremely humble. it's actually supposed to be a sign of respect & not discrimination as many in the replies have pointed out, as you rightly put rizwan's boundaries should be respected
— Osama. (@ashaqeens) September 6, 2022
Earlier, Rizwan had clarified why he does not take pictures with female fans. He was asked why he is so shy being around women. To which the batter replied, “It is not about being shy. Some things are personal; every player has their personal [reasons].”
Read more: Muhammad Rizwan praised for reading Holy Quran in bus
He said he respects women a lot and does not think himself worthy of being photographed with “mothers” and sisters. “The worth of these women is very high to me. I wish that mothers and sisters who are my fans would not be offended by this,” Rizwan said.
Pakistani commentator Zainab Abbas was lauded for respecting the boundaries of Muhammad Rizwan in a PCB ceremony organized for the cricketers last year. The viral pictures showed Zainab Abbas moving behind Rizwan as he answered her questions during the ceremony. Rizwan was hesitant to face Zainab Abbas while talking to her and seemed uncomfortable. Observing his hesitancy, Abbas moved to the backside.