Trophy won, hearts won: Internet reacts to Islamabad United waving Palestine flag

Gesture added a meaningful dimension to their triumph

Islamabad United emerged victorious in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine, clinching the title after defeating Multan Sultans in a thrilling final at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. However, it was their post-match celebration that truly captured the attention of fans and spectators alike.

Following their triumph on Monday, Islamabad United players, including Hunain Shah, Shadab Khan, and Imad Wasim, displayed a powerful gesture of solidarity by waving the Palestinian flag as they toured the stadium to express gratitude to the supporters. The symbolic act of solidarity aimed to highlight the plight of the Palestinian people, who have faced escalated Israeli aggression and violence in the region since October 7.

The players' decision to incorporate the Palestinian flag into their celebration resonated deeply with fans and spectators, underscoring the importance of using sports as a platform to raise awareness about social and humanitarian issues. The gesture conveyed a message of unity and support for those affected by the ongoing conflict in Palestine.

"Islamabad United players expressed solidarity with people of Palestine by carrying Palestinian flag at their victory lap," reported journalist Faizan Lakhani, taking to X. One X user appreciated the gesture, saying, "What an outstanding victory by Islamabad United, and what a commendable gesture to show solidarity with the people of Palestine! The champions of PSL9 paraded around the ground with Palestinian flags, winning hearts."

Islamabad United players expressed solidarity with people of Palestine by carrying Palestinian flag at their victory lap. pic.twitter.com/NazjWIHyai

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) March 18, 2024

What an outstanding victory by Islamabad United, and what a commendable gesture to show solidarity with the people of Palestine! The champions of PSL9 paraded around the ground with Palestinian flags, winning hearts ❤️ 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/mYxCdO8dPr

— Naimat Khan (@NKMalazai) March 18, 2024

Another X user remarked, "What a nice gesture by Islamabad United," adding heart emojis to convey their love for the team. Yet another said, "Islamabad United's winning march with Palestine flags in Karachi - they won our hearts." Even fans of other teams appreciated the move, saying that the gesture had won them over. One X user, seemingly from Palestine, shared, "Islamabad United taking a lap of the ground with Palestine flags! Thanks to Pakistan for raising our flag."

What a nice gesture by Islamabad united ❤️
#PakistanAirForce pic.twitter.com/v5snjUs5Fj

— Raiha (@egoistic442) March 19, 2024

Islamabad United Winning March with Palestine Flags in Karachi

They won our hearts ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/Eyw4MnPdiq

— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) March 18, 2024

Although I'm a PZ fan but this gesture from player's of Islamabad United is💕💕💕 pic.twitter.com/ICmpTJev9G

— Mansha Altaf (@manshaaltaf) March 19, 2024

Islamabad United taking a lap of the ground with Palestine flags!
Thanks to Pakistan 🇵🇰 for raising our flag 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/9I4c9A5qGh

— Zynab Al Aziz (@Zynsays) March 19, 2024

One fan intriguingly queried, "Images floating around show the players of Islamabad United (the PSL champions) waving the Palestinian flags in the stadium. After all the bans on carrying flags, isn't this a poetic end to the tournament?" Yet another said, "Palestinian flag was raised in the cricket field in front of the full crowd who were all appreciating them. Islamabad United in PSL9. Trophy won. Hearts won."

Images floating around show the players of Islamabad United (the PSL champions) waving the Palèstiniàn 🇵🇸 flags in the stadium.

After all the bans on carrying flags, isn't this a poetic end to the tournament? pic.twitter.com/DATXoMnlUx

— Justuju - جستجو (@justujuuu) March 18, 2024

Palestainain flag 🇵🇸 was first time raised in the cricket field infront of full crowd who were all appreciating them.
Islamabad United in PSL9.
Trophy won✅
Hearts won✅
🇵🇸✅#PSLFinal pic.twitter.com/v6ZblpkVkT

— 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐦 (@Malcolm_Ishmeal) March 19, 2024

It's noteworthy that only Pakistani players from the Islamabad United team were seen holding the Palestinian flag during the celebrations, as international players were not present alongside them. Nevertheless, the collective display of solidarity served as a poignant reminder of the power of sports to transcend boundaries and advocate for justice and compassion.

As Islamabad United basked in the glory of their PSL victory, their gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian people added a meaningful dimension to their triumph, highlighting the team's commitment to using their platform for positive change and social impact.

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