Former Australian cricketer and commentator Brad Hogg has landed in hot water after sharing a video mocking Pakistan’s captain and wicketkeeper-batsman, Mohammad Rizwan, for his English-speaking skills. The video quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism from fans.
Video Details and Public Reaction
The controversial video featured an individual mimicking Virat Kohli, with Hogg asking him about his opinion of the Indian cricket star. The impersonator humorously responded, “Virat and I are practically the same—he drinks water, I drink water; he eats food, I eat food; our habits are identical.”
However, the situation took a turn when the same person mocked Mohammad Rizwan’s English. Responding to a question about Pakistan’s tactics and strategies, the impersonator imitated Rizwan’s accent, while Brad Hogg sarcastically praised Rizwan’s English skills. The impersonator then said, “Yes, in Pakistan, everyone says my English is very good.”
This segment of the video did not sit well with cricket fans, who viewed it as disrespectful and offensive to the Pakistani cricketer.
Fans Defend Rizwan and Criticize Hogg
Cricket enthusiasts strongly condemned Hogg’s actions, calling them insensitive and demeaning. Many fans pointed out that English is not Pakistan’s native language and that players should not be judged based on their proficiency in a foreign tongue.
One user remarked, “People from South Asia need to move past this colonial mindset. English is not our native language. Our players should proudly speak in Urdu and use translators if needed. It is a strength, not a weakness.”
Another fan stated, “I believe Australians must be embarrassed by Brad Hogg’s behavior.”
Brad Hogg’s Cricket Legacy
Brad Hogg is a two-time Cricket World Cup winner, having been a part of Australia’s victorious squads in 2003 and 2007. However, his recent actions have tarnished his reputation among cricket lovers, particularly in Pakistan.
Final Thoughts
The controversy surrounding Brad Hogg’s video highlights the importance of respecting cultural and linguistic diversity in sports. Cricket is a global game, and players should be celebrated for their performances on the field rather than mocked for their language skills. While Hogg is yet to respond to the criticism, the incident has reignited conversations about inclusivity and mutual respect in international cricket.