‘It was a huge gesture’ – Former Pakistan cricketer appreciates PM Modi for motivating Indian squad after loss in ODI World Cup 2023 finals

Former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar recently appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gesture of meeting The Indian cricket team after their loss in the final match of the ODI World Cup 2023. India lost the finals of the tournament at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad on 19 November after remaining unbeaten in all the 10 games they had previously played in the tournament. 

Akhtar appreciated Modi for his kind words and said that his words clearly highlighted that the nation was standing behind the Indian team despite their loss in the final game. The Pakistani fast bowler talked about how Modi took the squad as his children and invited them to have a meeting in Delhi. 

“Your PM gave a clear message that he is there with the players. It was a huge gesture. This was a message that India as a nation is standing beside the Indian cricket team. As simple as that. This is a really really emotional time for them. He took them (players) as his children, as kids and he lifted their morale to tell them that they played well. This was a great gesture by the PM,” said Shoaib Akhtar while talking to Zee News. 

PM Narendra Modi boosted the morale of the Indian squad after the loss in the ODI World Cup 2023 

“Aap log poora 10-10 game jeet ke aaye ho, yeh toh hota rehta hai. Muskuraiye bhai, desh aap logon ko dekh raha hai. Maine socha mil lun sab ko. (You have won 10 consecutive games. This one loss is normal, it keeps on happening. Please smile, the entire country is watching you. I just thought that I should go and meet you people),” Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the dressing room after the loss against Australia. 

Modi further added, “Toh, aap sab log bahut acchi mehnat kare ho. Chaliye, hota hai. Aur saathiyon zara ek doosre ka hausla buland karte chaliye. Aur jab aap log zara free honge aur Delhi aayenge toh baithunga aap sab ke saath. Meri taraf se nimantran hai aap sab logon ko.(You guys have worked hard and played exceptionally well. Just stick together and keep on motivating each other. Also, whenever you guys are free and are in Delhi then let’s meet again. You all are cordially invited from my side.)”