Virender Sehwag, the former Indian opening batter, has responded to criticism following his ‘Bye Bye Pakistan’ or ‘Pakistan Zindabhaag!’ post in which he trolled Pakistan after New Zealand’s 5-wicket victory against Sri Lanka made it all but impossible for Pakistan to advance to the semi-finals in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Sehwag has gained attention for his humorous and witty trolling posts related to the Pakistan cricket team. While some fans appreciateed the humour, others, particularly from across the border, questioned him on the internet, accusing him of being too obsessed or having hatred for the Pakistan cricket team and their fans.

In response to the criticism, Sehwag took to the social media platform ‘X’ to explain his earlier post, stating that they anticipate love for their hate. 

“In the 21st century there have been 6 ODI world cups. In 6 attempts, only once in 2007 did we not qualify for the semi-finals and have qualified in 5 of the last 6 World cups. On the other hand only once have Pakistan qualified for the semis in 6 attempts in 2011. And they come up with ridiculous allegations blaming ICC and BCCI of changing balls and pitch,” Sehwag posted on ‘X’.

‘Pakistan made ridiculous allegations. Their PM mocked us’: Sehwag

“Their Prime Minister mocks us when we lose to another team despite having beaten them. Upon reaching here, their player posts pictures of enjoying tea in Hyderabad with sarcasm to mock our soldier. The PCB chief on camera refers to our country as Dushman Mulk. And they expect love for their hate. And those preaching class, that is a two-way street. Jo Achha vyavhar kare uske saath hum bahut hi achhe, aur jo aisa vyavhar kare toh sahi mauke par soot samet lautana is my way. On-field bhi, off-field bhi,” read Sehwag’s post.

Sehwag also attached screenshots of some of the tweets from Pakistan fans, as well as former pacer Shoaib Akhtar, as they took digs at the Indian team.

India, in the meantime, have already secured a spot in the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup and are set to face New Zealand in the knockout match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15