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Though seemingly an innocuous gesture by the tennis star, who spent some time playing exhibitions in India last year, the photo has caused a stir amongst some Pakistanis, who are cutting ties with Federer for even daring to hold the enemy’s clothing in front of him with a “huh, what’s this” look on his face.
The Express Tribune published an amazing, heartfelt personal letter from a PhD student named Sulaiman Ijaz who identifies as one of Federer’s biggest fans and even thanks Federer and his wife, Mirka, for helping his marriage. At first, this read like satire. But Ijaz was completely genuine
He writes that he sincerely understands why Federer would back India — the tennis player is hitting an untapped market in India. But, Ijaz, writes, the photo a negative effect in Pakistan:
After you posted the picture, I did an informal poll of the dozen biggest Pakistani Roger fans I know. All very serious fans, mind you. Two of them were not bothered by the picture. But 10 of the 12 felt seriously hurt or betrayed. Six of those 10 said you had acted “like a sell-out” and have stopped supporting you altogether.
The writer continues by suggesting holding up an India jersey was a sign that fans in Pakistan are “financially expendable,” which is a bit of a stretch, even for a PhD student at Cambridge. Sometimes an India rugby shirt is just an India rugby shirt, you know?
This morning I deleted over a hundred Roger posts from my Facebook wall as well as the photo collection I had painstakingly put together. I also donated my RF cap and my collection of books about you.
I will always respect you, love your game and wish you success. I just won’t be along with you for the ride.
It was as classy a Dear John Roger letter as there gets. I’d say Ijaz overreacted but, hey, I can’t tell a wicket from a bowler, so what do I know about cricket? The biggest rivalry I have is with my neighbor who keeps confusing our recycling bins.
What I *do* know is that while we think Auburn-Alabama is a rivalry, which is a rivalry because there’s little else to do in Alabama; college kids enjoy getting drunk and hurling insults at people; men wearing Vineyard Vines and women in pearls revel in debating which tailgate scene is better and everyone loves toilet papering things. But they’ve got NOTHIN’ on India-Pakistan. These countries are hardcore about their cricket and will just — SNIP — cut Roger Federer out of their lives. Dude even donated his hat, which, I mean — it’s nice to donate the books, but why not just throw the hat in the trash, because that’s pretty gross.
Federer backed the right side (if he was backing any side at all) as India thrashed Pakistan in their opener, 300/7 (50) to 224/10 (47), which apparently are NOT just gibberish numbers. Over
1.5 billion people reportedly watched the match, which isn’t gibberish either. The World Cup continues through the end of March, so Pakistan will have a chance at revenge and to show Roger Federer he was wrong for ever holding up a blue jersey. The nerve.
Roger Federer creates international incident by holding up ‘India’ jersey | For The Win
