Islamabad, July 30, 2025 — British-Pakistani journalist Farooq Nazar speaks out after being removed from UK stadium for wearing a Pakistan cricket shirt.
A British-Pakistani cricket fan, Muhammad Farooq Nazar, was reportedly harassed and removed from Old Trafford stadium during the fourth cricket match (Test) between England and India for wearing a Pakistan jersey. The incident quickly went viral, sparking outrage across the South Asian community, with many calling the action discriminatory and unjustified.
Farooq Nazar, who is also a journalist, later spoke out saying he would not remove his Pakistan shirt “at any cost,” insisting it was his right to wear it and express his identity. Videos of the incident surfaced on social media, sparking debate about fan freedoms and whether cricket grounds are truly inclusive spaces for all.
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He explained that he wore the shirt as a proud Pakistani and emphasized that his choice was not meant to provoke anyone. Nazar has since filed a complaint with the authorities in the UK, demanding a formal investigation into the incident and calling for accountability.
Support has poured in from many Pakistanis and human rights advocates online, who view the act as a violation of individual rights. The controversy continues to stir conversations about racism, freedom of expression and cultural representation in international sports settings.
