LAHORE: Former Pakistan cricketer Amir Sohail has opened up about his recent comments, clarified his position after facing a backlash and admitted that his choice of words may have caused offence.
Sohail took to the social media platform ‘X’ where he tried to distinguish between civic customs and cultural traditions, noting that his aim was not to undermine Karachi’s identity but to address wider social behaviours.
He expressed his appreciation for the city’s cultural practices and made his position clear, adding that he did not view them negatively.
“Pan and etiquette of bichari placing two fingers wide in a container is not a part of Karachi’s heritage and culture, I think I should apologize to Karachiites,” wrote Sohail.
“Talking about cities and their cultures, Karachi also belongs to me. The pan-eating culture fascinates me; it’s in my DNA too. Totally and *begging” is part of folklore and tradition – it’s not bad, it’s a fad. Accept it, you should too. Peace,” he added.
The 59-year-old made the comment while commentating during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 match between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings on Thursday.
Sohail came under scrutiny on social media following his comments in a recently circulated video.
In the clip, he cites things like gutka and pan spitting in Karachi as examples, but discusses broader civic practices, but these comments are not meant to be critical of the city or its people.
His comments, which some observers interpreted as generalizing the city’s identity, prompted a backlash from users who felt the comments were insensitive and reduced Karachi to a negative stereotype, with many insisting that Sohail be barred from commentary duties in the PSL.
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