Seriously? Pakistan PM trolled for celebrating Hong Kong Sixers’ victory over India

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif found himself at the receiving end of trolling on social media after congratulating the national team on his four-wicket win over India in the Hong Kong International Sixes 2026 on Friday.

Sharif’s celebratory post at X did not go down well with several fans who questioned why the Pakistan government was making such a big deal out of winning the six-a-side tournament, which is seen as an entertainment spectacle rather than a traditional cricket competition.

The reaction was particularly sharp given Pakistan’s recent struggles against India in international cricket. Fans mocked the Prime Minister for celebrating the victory in an abbreviated format, pointing to a greater rivalry between the two countries. Some also questioned whether the result in the exhibition-style tournament merited a congratulatory message from the country’s top political leader.

Sharif took to X to praise the team’s performance and appreciate the efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“Congratulations to our boys for an amazing four-wicket win over India in the opening encounter of Hong Kong Sixes 2026! It was good cricket,” Sharif wrote on X.

“I also commend PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi @MohsinnaqviC42 and his team for their selfless efforts in preparing and supporting our players,” Sharif added.

There was also a factual error in the Pakistan Prime Minister’s tweet. Sharif described the clash with India as Pakistan’s “opening clash” even though the team had already played their first match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

ABBAS, NAFAY POWER PAKISTAN TO VICTORY

On the field, Pakistan put in a commanding performance after winning the toss and electing to bowl. India managed 88 for five in their allotted six overs, with Shashank Singh making an outstanding contribution. The right-hander smashed 40 off just 11 deliveries but received little support from the other batsmen. Nitish Rana scored 19 while Rahul Tripathi managed nine.

Pakistan made light work of the 89-run target and reached 92 for two in just 3.5 overs. Abbas Afridi opened the attack, smashing five consecutive sixes off Krunal Pandya in the opening over. He finished with 35 off eight balls while Khawaja Nafay remained unbeaten on 41 off just 12 deliveries. The pair added 59 runs off just 13 balls to keep Pakistan firmly in control.

The win was particularly important for Pakistan after suffering a one-wicket defeat against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier in the day. The defending champions moved to the top of Group C with two points from two matches.

Meanwhile, India slipped to the bottom of the three-team group without a point. They face the United Arab Emirates in their final group stage game on Saturday, knowing victory will be key to keeping their hopes of progressing in the tournament alive.

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