Dhaka: Even not among the big nations in world cricket, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) did not hesitate to correct former India opener Aakash Chopra’s tweet emphasising that all players in the team are from the country.
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UAE’s recent win over Oman in the final qualifier meant it was the Gulf nation and not Afghanistan who qualified for the Asia Cup 2016 along with big giants —India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and hosts Bangladesh.
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Rohan Mustafa's magic enabled UAE register a shock win over the pre-qualifiers favourites, Afghanistan. The loss meant Afghanistan had to not only beat Oman and Hong Kong in the subsequent matches but also hope UAE fail to beat one of those teams. While Afghanistan did their part, UAE won both matches and made it to their third Asia Cup.
Chopra in his tweet mentioned that all four qualifiers have Pakistani bowlers opening the innings for them.
What does Oman, Hong Kong, UAE, Afghanistan and Pakistan have in common? All of them have Pakistani fast bowlers opening the innings ðŸ™ðŸ‘ðŸ‘😊
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 22, 2016
His statement didn’t go down well with the ACB officials. The former Indian keeper realised his slip-up and stood corrected and apologised for his remarks.
@cricketaakash It is not fair to give statement. All players playing for Afghanistan and pure Afghans.
— Afghan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 23, 2016
Stand corrected...unconditional apology. I was ref to the time some have spent in Pakistan during formative years! https://t.co/WtvDlFMPW5
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 23, 2016
Despite the apology, the ACB's official Twitter account was keen to leave Chopra red-faced.
@cricketaakash add to your knowledge @ACBofficials have strong domestic structure and all players produced in Afghanistan.
— Afghan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 23, 2016
@cricketaakash The peroformance @ACBofficials produced both in senior and junior are directly reflecting the system we (ACB) are running.
— Afghan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 23, 2016
