Flood of Memes in Pakistan after Defeat, Ishan Kishan Dominates
Following India's victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, social media reacted with an influx of memes and criticism directed at Pakistani cricketers, particularly the PCB's Mohsin Naqvi.
In the aftermath of India's remarkable win against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, social media platforms, particularly 'X', witnessed an overwhelming surge of memes and tweets from users in Pakistan. The defeat sparked thousands of posts within minutes, with Ishan Kishan emerging as a notable reference in this context. Critics particularly aimed at PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, while cricketers like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi also faced significant trolling, with many branding them responsible for the team's failure.
Typically, Pakistanis are known for ridiculing their opponents; however, this time, the tables turned as many Pakistani social media users began trolling their own players and leaders. An investigation by India Today using open-source intelligence revealed a plethora of memes, derogatory comments, and trending topics that reflected the sharp criticism coming from within Pakistan. Notably, the sentiment was marked by a distinct wave of self-critique directed at their cricketing figures, highlighting a shift in fan expectations.
The reaction in Pakistan has been unprecedented, with Ishan Kishan trending among the top names even within Pakistan, signifying his significant impact in the match. This unusual scenario represents a complex layer of rivalry, where the critique has transcended national boundaries, affecting how teams and players perceive their roles in international cricket. It raises questions regarding the psyche of Pakistani fans, their expectations, and how they express discontent after significant defeats, especially against arch-rivals India.