In the IPL 2023 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Lahore Shaheens (LSG), tensions escalated as Afghanistan pacer Naveen Ul Haq engaged in a verbal exchange with Indian batting sensation Virat Kohli. Naveen has now made a bold statement, asserting that it was Kohli who initiated the confrontation.
While the altercation initially involved Naveen and Kohli, it soon involved LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir, leading to an ugly exchange with the RCB captain. Consequently, all three individuals were reprimanded by the match referee following the RCB vs LSG game.
“I want to clarify that I did not initiate the fight. During the match and even after it, Virat Kohli made provocative remarks. If you review the fines imposed, you will understand who instigated the confrontation,” Naveen expressed in an interview with BBC Pashto.
“As a bowler, I generally don’t engage in sledging, and if I do, it’s typically directed at the batters while I am bowling. In that particular match, I did not utter a single word or engage in any sledging. The players who were present are aware of how I handled the situation,” added the LSG pacer.
“I did not lose my temper while batting or after the match. Everyone can witness what happened afterward. I was simply shaking hands when Kohli forcefully grabbed my hand. I am only human, and I reacted accordingly,” Naveen explained regarding the verbal altercation with Kohli.
During the post-match formalities, Naveen was involved in a heated exchange, while Kohli had a verbal confrontation with Kyle Mayers until LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir intervened and separated them. However, the situation escalated as Gambhir confronted Kohli, leading to further banter.
Following the incident, both Virat Kohli and Naveen Ul Haq took to Instagram to exchange jibes, igniting a significant controversy during the IPL 2023 season. Cricket fans heavily criticized Naveen on Twitter and Instagram, and he was subjected to chants of “Kohli… Kohli…” from the crowd in subsequent IPL matches.