Old Trafford, Manchester — A viral incident during the final day of the fourth Test between India and England has triggered widespread backlash, after a British Pakistani fan wearing a Pakistan cricket jersey was asked to cover it by security personnel.
The fan, Farooq Nazar, a journalist affiliated with a Pakistani religious TV channel, filmed the interaction and posted it online. The footage, which has since gone viral, shows Nazar seated in the stands at Old Trafford wearing a green Pakistan shirt when approached by stewards.
“Asked by control” to cover shirt
One steward, identifying himself as part of Lancashire County Cricket Club‘s security, said: “I have been asked by control if you can cover that shirt up, please.” Another added that the shirt “might be considered nationalistic.”
Nazar refuses, demands written policy
Nazar, who was defiant in the video, replied: “Can you give me the written order? I have paid for the ticket. I need it in writing before I comply. I will not cover the jersey because I am representing the country.”
Pakistan cricket fan Farooq Nazar asked to cover his Pakistani shirt at Old Trafford, Manchester during India-England Test match. pic.twitter.com/GbPZCTLkfe
— Farid Ahmed (Qureshi) (@FaridQureshi_UK) July 27, 2025
According to Money Control, the stewards cited venue policy prohibiting attire from non-participating teams. While similar rules were noted at Edgbaston earlier in the series, there is no clear evidence that Old Trafford’s guidelines included the same restrictions.
Security escalates incident, fan chooses to leave
The exchange attracted attention from nearby spectators, some of whom began filming. Additional security and a local police officer arrived. Nazar was asked to move away from the seating area and eventually chose to leave the stadium rather than remove or cover the shirt.
Public backlash and formal complaints
The incident has sparked online debate, with many accusing security of discrimination. Supporters say fans should be free to wear cricket jerseys of their choice, while others cite the complex India-Pakistan political context and potential crowd tensions.
Lancashire CCC has acknowledged the event and launched an investigation. “We are aware of the incident referenced and are taking steps to understand the facts and context surrounding the matter fully,” said a club spokesperson.
Nazar has since filed formal complaints with both the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and local law enforcement.
India-Pakistan tensions influence reaction
This incident comes amid heightened political strain. In May 2025, India and Pakistan were involved in a military skirmish, further straining bilateral relations. Cricketing ties remain frozen since 2012, with Test matches between the two nations absent since 2007. All encounters now occur at neutral venues.
Old Trafford is increasingly associated with Indian cricket influence. The Manchester Originals franchise, based at the ground, is expected to become 70% owned by RPSG Group, the Indian conglomerate behind the IPL’s Lucknow Super Giants. Daniel Gidney, CEO of Lancashire, has even proposed giving BCCI a stake in The Hundred to deepen commercial ties.
Match ends in draw, but controversy dominates
The Test match itself ended in a draw, with India batting out five sessions. England continue to lead the five-match series 2–1. But the Nazar jersey incident has overshadowed the cricketing result, raising larger questions about fan expression, nationalism, and cricket’s geopolitical entanglements.
As scrutiny mounts, both Lancashire and the ECB are under pressure to clarify policies and navigate an increasingly globalized and politically sensitive sporting environment.
