Social media had a field day after a clip from the Pakistan versus India ICC Women’s World Cup clash on Sunday showed Green Shirts spraying something on each other and all around themselves.
A viral social media post claimed that Pakistani players were “spraying air freshener before the Indian team walked in”, jumping on the racist bandwagon of claims that Indians “do not take care of their hygiene”.
Some went on to say they were “sanitising the pitch” ahead of the arch-rivals’ arrival and the Pakistani team was “savage for doing so”.
The truth, however, was far less dramatic as the video actually showed players spraying insect repellant during the match in Colombo, which was also interrupted after a swarm of insects invaded the ground as soon as floodlights were turned on.
Pakistani bowler Nashra Sandhu was seen trying to swat them away with a towel, and soon, reserve players rushed in with insect repellent sprays to help the team.
Captain Fatima Sana even sprayed around her teammates to keep the bugs away while substitute Iman Fatima sprayed a player’s cap.
The match eventually resumed after ground staff sprayed the entire field with India going on to win by 88 runs.
Pakistan will now face Australia on October 8 at the same venue.