As the countdown begins for the Champions Trophy 2025 final, set to take place on Sunday, March 9, in Dubai, the excitement is palpable. The-stage is all set for a thrilling encounter between India and New Zealand. Meanwhile, several Pakistani journalists and former players have converged on Dubai to catch the action live. Among them is Mohammad Hafeez, the former Pakistani cricketer, who is in Dubai to participate in a TV show. What caught everyone’s attention, however, was his meeting with Zakir Naik, the controversial Islamic preacher who has been living in exile in Malaysia after fleeing India in 2016.
Hafeez, known for his outspoken nature, has been sharing his reactions on the ongoing tournament through a TV show, where he has been a regular guest. Although Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament might have dampened the spirits of Pakistani fans, Hafeez seems to be making the most of his time in Dubai. He recently met Zakir Naik and shared pictures of their meeting on social media, expressing his delight at the encounter. The photos have since sparked a flurry of reactions from users, with many questioning the propriety of Hafeez’s meeting with a figure who is wanted by Indian authorities.
For the uninitiated, Zakir Naik founded the Islamic Research Foundation, which was later banned in India. He is also known for his hate speeches, which have been prohibited in several countries, including India. The news of Hafeez’s meeting with Naik has naturally raised eyebrows, with many Twitter users taking to the platform to express their displeasure. “This is one of the reasons why the Indian team and government don’t want to play in Pakistan,” commented one user, while another quipped, “No wonder your cricket is going down the drain.” The reactions are a testament to the fact that the meeting has not gone down well with many, who view Zakir Naik as a fugitive and a divisive figure.
As the Champions Trophy final approaches, the focus should ideally be on the game, but Hafeez’s meeting with Zakir Naik has unwittingly shifted the spotlight to a more contentious issue. The meeting has been widely criticized, with many calling out Hafeez for his association with a figure who is wanted by Indian authorities. It remains to be seen how this controversy will play out, but for now, it’s clear that Hafeez’s meeting with Zakir Naik has stirred up a hornet’s nest. As one user aptly put it, “One of the reasons you lost all matches.” The tweet, though sarcastic, highlights the sentiment that many have towards Hafeez’s meeting with Naik. With the cricketing world watching, it will be interesting to see how this saga unfolds.