A lot has changed in Afghanistan over the last few months, with the Taliban overthrowing the existing government in the country. The Taliban's arrival, in fact, was duly backed by the government in Pakistan. However, putting the political situation aside, as the Afghanistan team arrived in the T20 World Cup 2021, questions on the affairs back home aren't leaving them alone.
After Afghanistan suffered a defeat at the hands of Pakistan in the 24th match of the T20 World Cup 2021, Mohammad Nabi arrived at the press conference to address the media. While the Afghan skipper was hoping to have a chat with the journalists about the performance of his team and other cricketing matters, he was left bemused on being asked a 'political question'.
“Afghanistan have played very well and they have won two matches. Is there any kind of fear that when you return home, you will be questioned as the government and situation have changed?” the journalist asked.
“In this new era, Afghanistan share a healthy relation with Pakistan. Do you feel that the Afghan team will be strengthened because of this?” he further asked as a follow-up question.
Unhappy with the question, Nabi answered: “Can we talk about cricket leaving aside the situation? It would be better if we talk about cricket. We are here for the World Cup after taking proper preparations. You may ask any questions related to cricket.”
When the reporter said that he is asking a cricketing question itself, Nabi retorted saying it isn't a cricket-related question.
The reporter's query was shut down by the moderator and the press conference moved forward.
Nabi isn't the only one was encountered an awkward question in the press conference. Earlier in the tournament, India skipper Virat Kohli was asked by a journalist if benching Rohit Sharma in favour of Ishan Kishan could've been a plausible option for him. An utterly shocked Kohli told was left baffled by the 'controversy seeking question from the reporter.
In the media interaction, Nabi also urged Afghanistan fans to buy tickets in order to watch the national team's games at the T20 World Cup, amid chaos at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday. During the match, thousands of ticketless fans had thronged at the stadium to watch their team play and police had to be deployed to control the situation.
https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...political-question-in-press-conference/827875
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<a href="https://t.co/uIUYXVaxLB">https://t.co/uIUYXVaxLB</a></p>— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) <a href="https://twitter.com/benstokes38/status/1266014955851005953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
