In a recent Twitter exchange that caught the attention of netizens, former Pakistani cricketer, Danish Kaneria, addressed The Wire's Senior Editor, Arfa Khanum Sherwani. On 22nd October, Kaneria, with characteristic forthrightness, suggested Sherwani consider relocating to Pakistan if she feels discomfort with her Indian identity.

Kaneria's tweet read: “Come to my country Pakistan if you are feeling ashamed to be an Indian. India doesn’t need people like you. I am sure many people in India will be happy to sponsor this trip.”

For context, Danish Kaneria holds the distinction of being only the second Hindu to have played for the Pakistan cricket team. His words, sharp and unfiltered, directly took on Sherwani and the narrative she represents as a prominent figure in 'The Wire', often labeled by its critics as a leftist media outlet.

Arfa Khanum Sherwani sparked a debate with her recent commentary on the behavior of Indian cricket fans during the ongoing 2023 Cricket World Cup. On the morning of 22nd October, Sherwani expressed her discontent, stating that the “deplorable behaviour of many cricket fans during World Cup matches makes me feel embarrassed & ashamed as an Indian.”

She further linked the current sporting atmosphere to the political climate, saying, “This petty, insecure & majoritarian approach towards sports which was meant to bring people together, is symbolic of India Modi-RSS have created in the last one decade.”

In the grand tapestry of journalistic insight, Arfa Khanum Sherwani yet again with her comments shined brightly, weaving her unique brand of wisdom. Time and again, she masterfully employs the term 'majoritarianism' – a word that many had thought lost in the annals of the English dictionary, only to be revived by her profound intellect. With every mention, she paints a vivid picture of an India that few recognize, yet she perceives it with unparalleled clarity.

One might wonder if Sherwani possesses a special pair of glasses, allowing her to see 'majoritarian' undertones even in the most mundane of events, say, a cricket match. To the untrained eye, cricket might just be a game, but through Sherwani's lens, it becomes a deep socio-political commentary. And let's not forget her undeniable talent for time travel, as she effortlessly links the modern-day cricket fervor to policies from a decade ago.

It's a marvel how she manages to blend her passion for the sport with her acute political observations. One can only hope to someday grasp the profound depths of her 'majoritarian' wisdom. After all, it takes a special kind of genius to find political undertones in the swing of a cricket bat.

Sherwani's comments, unsurprisingly, drew a slew of reactions from netizens, with many challenging her perspective. Among the most vocal was former Pakistani cricketer, Danish Kaneria, who, as mentioned earlier, suggested that Sherwani might find solace in migrating to Pakistan if she feels such profound unease with her Indian identity. It's worth noting that sports, especially cricket in the subcontinent, often become a mirror reflecting larger societal and political sentiments.

Arfa's Mastery in the Game of Cards

In a delightful twist of fate, Arfa Khanum Sherwani appears to have been ensnared in the very trap she so artfully laid out for sympathy. Once again, she graced the X platform, exuding a brand of patriotism so fervent that it might just be a masterclass in itself. She lamented, "Danish Kaneria has unleashed an online lynch mob on me and I am trending on Twitter. Sad to see an intl cricketer, celebrated by fans of diverse faiths, now playing the part of a communal troll." And in a flourish of dramatic flair, she declared, "Rest assured, I’m not leaving my country for Pakistan or any other place in the world."

It's a performance worthy of an encore, really. The narrative she paints is vivid - a damsel in distress, wronged by the world, yet standing tall, resolute in her love for her homeland. But one can't help but wonder, amidst this theatrical saga, who truly holds the stage's power and who's merely playing a part.

But let's pause for a moment and trace back. Wasn't it Sherwani who first brandished the sword of criticism, slashing at Modi/RSS for something as unrelated as a cricket match? The irony is delicious!

And if we were to dissect the numbers game, the plot thickens. The 'victim' in question, Ms. Sherwani, boasts a robust following of 1.2M on Twitter, while the alleged 'troll mob leader,' Mr. Kaneria, has a mere 113.7K. Even in the virtual world, numbers don't lie. An award-winning journalist with a massive following versus a former cricketer with a comparatively modest fanbase - it's clear who holds the megaphone here.

Logic dictates that with greater power (or in this case, followers) comes greater responsibility. So, perhaps it's time for Sherwani to reflect on her words, actions, and the game of cards she so skillfully plays. After all, in the vast arena of the internet, every move is watched, every statement analyzed, and every card played is remembered.

Kaneria’s Vocal Support for PM Modi

Danish Kaneria has made it abundantly clear on multiple occasions that he holds a favorable view of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In September, he took to Twitter to wish the Prime Minister on his birthday, addressing him as the "guardian of Bharat." In his post, he lauded PM Modi, asserting that under his leadership, "India can lead the world." He further remarked, “Today, the entire world is talking about 'वसुधैव कुटुंबकम्’," which translates to 'The world is one family.'

However, it wasn't just the heartfelt birthday wishes that drew attention. Kaneria also didn't hesitate to take on a pro-Congress troll who mocked him for his post. In his characteristic style, he retorted, "From Kabul to Kamrup, from Gilgit to Rameshwaram, we are one. But what can I do if Pidis will not understand.” He then cheekily suggested the troll to "keep your advice at Pappu’s home,” using the colloquial term 'Pappu', often employed by critics to refer to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Such exchanges on social media platforms exemplify the mingling of sports, politics, and personal beliefs, particularly in the charged atmosphere of today's digital age. Kaneria, despite his Pakistani origins, has consistently displayed a sense of camaraderie and respect towards India, exemplifying the timeless adage that sports transcend national boundaries.

Screengrab of the tweet by Danish Kaneria

Following his vocal support for PM Modi, Danish Kaneria inevitably became the target of backlash from various quarters. One particularly notable troll, a user by the name 'Dr Nimo Yadav', took to social media to criticize the former Pakistani cricketer. Yadav accused Kaneria of meddling in matters that were solely India's concern, implying that the cricketer was overstepping his boundaries.

However, Kaneria, who has shown a knack for handling online criticism, was quick to retort. He countered by suggesting that the troll, and others like him, lacked an understanding of the fundamental ethos of Bharat and the principles of Sanatan Dharma. The essence of his message was that unity and goodwill should override boundaries, both geographical and ideological.

Taking a more direct jibe, Kaneria pointed out the challenge faced by 'piddis' and fans of 'pappu' in grasping the depth of his sentiments. The terms, often used in a satirical manner, are colloquially associated with Congress party supporters and its leader, Rahul Gandhi, respectively.

In the vast expanse of social media, where opinions clash and narratives compete, Kaneria's interactions underscore the complexity of modern discourse. Yet, through it all, his stance remains clear - a call for unity, understanding, and mutual respect.