Pakistan cricket never seems to stay out of the limelight. Whether it’s the team’s on-field performances, bold comments by former players, or the ever-changing leadership at the Pakistan Cricket Board, controversies keep the cricket world buzzing. The latest incident didn’t involve players but rather the TV presenters during the Pakistan vs. England test match in Multan. A simple umbrella, or rather the lack of holding it, has now turned into a hot topic.
The Umbrella Incident: What Happened?
The first test match between Pakistan and England is underway in Multan, and it was on the third day when the controversy began. During the lunch break, a live show was broadcast from the stadium, featuring anchor Zainab Abbas, veteran Pakistani cricketer Aamer Sohail, and renowned commentator Nasser Hussain. The three were seated under the blazing sun, with the scorching Multan heat making the outdoor setup a challenge.
Before the show started, the broadcasters provided all three presenters with umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun. Nasser Hussain, the former England captain, was seen holding his own umbrella, shielding himself from the heat. However, Zainab Abbas and Aamer Sohail did not hold their umbrellas. Instead, others were standing next to them, holding the umbrellas to provide shade.
Zainab Abbas shared some behind-the-scenes pictures on social media, which quickly went viral. What she probably didn’t expect was the criticism that followed.
Fans React Strongly on Social Media
As the pictures spread on social media, fans started reacting, criticizing both Zainab and Aamer Sohail for what was seen as a display of privilege. Many fans felt it was inappropriate for others to hold the umbrellas for them while they sat comfortably. Some fans pointed out the contrast between Nasser Hussain, who held his own umbrella, and the Pakistani presenters.
The comments poured in on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Some fans joked that Zainab and Sohail were behaving like royalty, while others said that it showed the difference in attitude between Pakistan and England. The criticism didn’t stop there, with users calling out the presenters for their behavior in the scorching heat of Multan.
The On-Field Action: A Tough Test for Pakistan
While the umbrella controversy unfolded, the Pakistan cricket team found themselves in a tough spot on the field. The ongoing test match has been brutal for Pakistani bowlers, who struggled under the intense Multan sun. England’s batting lineup completely dominated, with their batters amassing a massive 823 runs in just 150 overs.
Harry Brook made history with his first career triple century, while Joe Root secured his sixth double century. England’s commanding performance gave them a 267-run lead over Pakistan by the end of the fourth day. Pakistan’s second innings wasn’t much better as they collapsed, losing six wickets and managing to score only 152 runs by the close of play.
With the fifth day approaching, Pakistan is on the verge of defeat, and the challenge ahead seems insurmountable for the home team.
Umbrellas and Cricket Drama Go Hand in Hand
While the umbrella controversy might seem like a small incident, it highlights how even off-field moments can catch the public’s attention. In a sport like cricket, where emotions run high both on and off the field, every little detail can spark a debate. As Pakistan faces a potential defeat in the Multan test, the incident involving Zainab Abbas and Aamer Sohail adds another layer to the ongoing cricket drama.
With social media playing such a significant role in shaping public perception, it remains to be seen how such incidents will affect future broadcasts and the behavior of presenters during live shows. But one thing is for sure – in Pakistan cricket, the drama never stops.
