Controversy Over Pakistani Jersey at Old Trafford, Lancashire Initiates Investigation

During the fourth Test match between India and England at Old Trafford, which ended in a draw, a controversy erupted when a spectator wearing a Pakistan cricket jersey was asked to cover it up by stadium security. The incident has prompted an investigation by Lancashire, the county club that owns the Old Trafford ground.

According to Pakistani media, the spectator, identified as Faruk Nazar, recorded and shared a video of the incident on social media to document the situation. In the video, a security official, identifying themselves as working for Lancashire, approached Nazar and requested him to cover his green Pakistan T20 jersey. The official cited instructions from the control room, stating that covering the jersey would be preferable. Later, another steward reportedly told Nazar that the jersey could be considered “nationalistic.”

The video shows Nazar growing increasingly frustrated and agitated by the repeated requests. Eventually, a police officer intervened, asking him to move to a separate area for further discussion. Reports later indicated that instead of covering the jersey, Nazar chose to leave the stadium. The incident comes against the backdrop of ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, which have intensified following a military clash along their border in May this year. These tensions have also strained cricketing relations between the two nations. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13, and their last Test encounter was in the 2007-08 season. Even in ICC tournaments, matches between the two teams are now often held at neutral venues under a “hybrid model” due to logistical and political complexities. While it remains unclear on which day of the Test match the incident occurred, a Lancashire spokesperson confirmed that the club is aware of the situation and has launched an investigation to understand the full context of the event. “We have been informed about this incident, and we are taking steps to investigate the matter thoroughly,” the spokesperson said.

In recent years, Lancashire has expressed interest in strengthening ties with India. The RPSG Group, owned by Indian businessman Sanjiv Goenka, which also owns the IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants, is set to acquire a 70% stake in Manchester Originals, Old Trafford’s team in The Hundred tournament. Lancashire’s CEO, Daniel Gidney, has previously proposed a partnership with the BCCI for the 100-ball tournament, signaling a desire to foster closer cricketing ties with India.