Najam Sethi justifies Hasan Ali’s behavior at Wagah border

Defending Hasan Ali’s unique wicket-celebrating gesture at Wagah, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Najam Sethi said it's unfortunate that social media has given it a political colour, although what he did is usually what he does after taking a wicket.

The viral video of the 24-year-old pacer doing his trademark gestures at the main border crossing at Wagah near Lahore over the weekend stirred a controversy on social media in the sub-continent.

During the incident Ali puffed out his chest, mimicking gestures made by border guards and also slapped his thigh while staring down at Indian security forces - a gesture he often does on the pitch after taking a wicket.

The performance was largely cheered by Pakistani cricket fans but drew protests from Indian users who slammed the display as jingoistic.

Pakistan Test team visit Wagah border for the flag lowering ceremony pic.twitter.com/nxhYWtknpr

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) April 21, 2018

Sethi, who attended  International Cricket Council's meeting in Kolkata this month, said, “Our national cricket teams always go to the Wagah Border for the flag lowering ceremony.”

“It's unfortunate that social media has given it a political colour, what he did he usually does after taking a wicket.”

Hasan became the top ranked one-day international bowler in global rankings last year following his 13 wickets in Pakistan's Champions Trophy triumph in England.