New Delhi (Sputnik): Former doubles world No.1 Sania Mirza has been facing outrage on twitter from a section of Indian cricket fans for congratulating the Pakistani cricket team on their win against England in the Cricket World Cup 2019 on Monday.
Congratulations to Team Pakistan on bouncing back the way they did and being as unpredictable like it always is!!! @cricketworldcup got more interesting than it already was 😏😀
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) June 3, 2019
Mirza, who is also a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia, has continued to represent India at various tournaments even after her marriage to Pakistani player Malik, who is playing in the ongoing Cricket World Cup in England.
Ms. Malik, stop showing off fake patriotism and save your wishes for your Pakistan team, as they rely more on wishes than performance. Team India will thrash all your (Pakistan winning) dreams on 16th of June. Even your prayers and wishes can't save Pakistan from India.
— Kumar Shubham (@Kr_Shubham09) June 7, 2019
*Pak wins*
— Isha (@ISubramaniam19) June 6, 2019
Sania Mirza: Well played Pakistan, proud of the boys
*India wins*
Sania Mirza: India who?
Betterly u leave India and settle in Pakistan because this type of people don't need India there are many better tennis player in our street of India which is better than u…… Just leave India we hate u #India #jayhind #bharatmatakijai #Indian #IndianArmy 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
— Chetan Patil (@ChetanP23174537) June 6, 2019
One fan questioned why she often congratulates Pakistan on their achievements, but her husband never reciprocates the gesture towards India.
Aftr ths tweet u got lots of appreciation frm #pakistan..I think ths is all u wnt…… I nvr saw any tweet frm @realshoaibmalik fr india. Bt u always try to get attentn frm pakistan inspite u angered ur own former country ppl.. bt dnt wrry u nvr get #mauka_mauka 🇮🇳🇮🇳
— Ankit Chaurasia (@imankit0007) June 5, 2019
READ MORE: Indian Star With Pakistani Husband Should Be Dismissed as Brand Ambassador — MP
Meanwhile, Pakistani fans were seemingly overwhelmed by her wishes and thanked her.
Indeed Pakistan and it’s people belong to you. Looking forward to see you at Pakistan:- it’s your country too. Land of loving and most hospitable minds.
— Syed Naqvi (@SyedNaq26526435) June 6, 2019
Thank you for your Congratulations on Pakistan match. You have a wonderful and unique way of saying it. Best wishes for India.
— Zeeshan Saleem (@ZeeshanSaleem70) June 3, 2019
However, amidst the cricket fans of the two countries exchanging digs at each other, there were also some who welcomed Mirza's gesture and hoped for peace between the two countries.
bond of love between Pakistan and India, we all need unity and peace in the region.
— Muneeb Ul Haq (@Muneeb_Ul_Haq) June 4, 2019
Congratulations team Pakistan well done what a match 😱
— Ravi Kumar Akulwar (@AkulwarRavi) June 4, 2019
India and Pakistan are supposed to take each other on in a group stage match of the Cricket World Cup on 16 June.