Social Media Backlash Over Pakistan's Peace Gesture at PSL

Pakistan's recent peace gesture at the PSL match, involving the release of a white dove by cricket leaders, has sparked a wave of criticism on social media. Many users have pointed out the country's troubled history with terrorism, leading to a backlash against the symbolic act. Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's blunder during the announcement of a US-Iran ceasefire has further fueled speculation about Pakistan's role in international diplomacy. This article delves into the reactions and implications of these events.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 9, 2026, 11:06 IST

Controversial Peace Gesture by PSL Leaders

Pakistan faced significant backlash on social media following a peace gesture involving the release of a white dove by Peshawar Zalmi's captain Babar Azam, Hyderabad Kings' skipper Marnus Labuschagne, and PSL CEO Salman Naseer. This act was intended to symbolize Pakistan's dedication to global peace amidst the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. However, the video showcasing this event quickly attracted criticism, with many users recalling Pakistan's troubled history with terrorism.

Shehbaz Sharif's Misstep Amid US-Iran Ceasefire

The Shehbaz-Sharif Blunder That Exposed Pakistan

Pakistan purportedly acted as a mediator during the US-Iran ceasefire negotiations. However, a misstep by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised doubts about Pakistan's influence in these discussions. While announcing the ceasefire, Sharif mistakenly shared a draft message that led to widespread ridicule. His message read: "*Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X* Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future. To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks. Pakistan, in all sincerity, requests the Iranian brothers to open Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture. We also urge all warring parties to observe a ceasefire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve conclusive termination of war, in the interest of long-term peace and stability in the region," he stated.

Once the message went viral, it became a target for heavy trolling and was swiftly edited, but the initial impact had already been felt. Many users speculated that the message was merely a copy-paste job from Trump or Netanyahu. An American author and journalist commented, "Oh, this is unbelievable. The edit history on this tweet shows that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif originally copied and pasted everything he was sent, including: "*Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X*" Now, obviously, Sharif's own staff don't call him 'Pakistan's PM,' they would just call him prime minister. The US and Israel, of course, would call him 'Pakistan's PM.'"