English county cricket club, Lancashire, have said they have initiated a probe after a fan was asked to cover up a Pakistan cricket jersey while attending the fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford.
The fan, identified in Pakistani media as Farooq Nazar, shared a video on social media showing a security official at the venue requesting him to conceal his shirt, a replica of Pakistan’s traditional green limited-overs kit.
In the footage, the security guard, who said he works for Lancashire, tells Nazar: “I’ve been asked by control if you can cover that shirt up, please.” Another steward is also heard saying the shirt “might be considered nationalistic.”
The fan, however, firmly refused to remove or cover his jersey, insisting that none of the Indian fans around him were offended or had raised any complaints. At one point, he can be heard telling the security personnel, “Take me with force.”
As the situation escalated, additional security staff and local police were seen arriving to manage the scene, which remained peaceful but tense. Eventually, he is approached by a police officer, who asks to continue the conversation away from the stands. According to reports, Nazar then opted to leave the ground rather than hide his shirt.
Political relations between India and Pakistan soured earlier this year, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attacks that led to the loss of 26 innocent lives, mostly of tourists. The attack resulted in India’s launch of ‘Operation Sindoor’ aimed at wiping out terrorist hideouts in the neighbouring country.
The political tensions have strained ties between the BCCI and PCB, with the two boards not featuring in a bilateral series since 2012-13 and no Test matches between them since 2007-08. Their involvement in ICC events hosted by either nation has also become increasingly complex, often requiring a neutral venue to stage their matches as part of a hybrid solution to navigate the impasse.
According to espncricinfo, a Lancashire spokesperson confirmed they were looking into the incident which took place during one of the days of the fourth Test between India and England that ended in a draw on Sunday.
“We are aware of the incident referenced and are taking steps to understand the facts and context surrounding the matter fully,” a Lancashire spokesperson said.