In a thrilling World Cup match between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Afghanistan batter Ibrahim Zadran emerged as the hero of the day with his swashbuckling innings of 87 runs. But it was not only his brilliant performance on the field that caught everyone's attention, but also his dedication of the Player of the Match award to the Afghan people and the Afghans who are being deported from Pakistan. Zadran's heartfelt gesture came in the backdrop of Pakistan's decision to ask all undocumented Afghan refugees to leave the country by November 1.

This announcement has affected nearly 1.7 million Afghan refugees living in Pakistan, drawing severe criticism from the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, with Kabul calling the move unacceptable. Zadran's tribute to those who were sent back to Afghanistan from Pakistan resonated with people around the world. His statement went viral on social media, with users lauding the gesture and some even comparing it to Pakistani wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan's pro-Palestine remarks after their victory against Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament.

The Afghanistan opener played a crucial role in orchestrating their chase of 283 against an out-of-sort Pakistan's pace and spin bowling. Zadran's aggressive 87-run knock, along with Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 65 runs, formed a formidable opening stand of 130 runs, setting the stage for Afghanistan's historic victory. Speaking about his partnership with Gurbaz, Zadran praised the opener for his support and the excellent communication they share on the field. Their strong partnership helped Afghanistan gain momentum and ultimately secure a remarkable victory. While Afghanistan celebrated their historic triumph, the situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan remained a concerning issue.

According to reports, thousands of Afghan refugees have been deported from Pakistan, with stricter regulations regarding border crossing set to be implemented soon. Approximately 1.73 million Afghans in Pakistan lack legal documentation, raising concerns about their future. Overall, Zadran's performance on the field coupled with his dedication of the Player of the Match award to the Afghan people and the deported Afghan refugees highlighted the challenges faced by the Afghan community. It served as a powerful reminder that sports can bring attention to important social issues and unite people in support of those in need. Afghanistan's victory against Pakistan will be remembered not only for the sensational display of cricket but also for Zadran's touching gesture.