Lancashire are investigating why a supporter at the fourth England-India Test was told to cover his Pakistan top.
Video posted online by the fan, named in Pakistani outlets as Farooq Nazar, shows a security guard approaching him in the lower tier of the James Anderson End. The guard, who identifies himself as working for the county, says: “I’ve been asked by control if you can cover that shirt up, please.” A steward soon adds that the replica “might be considered nationalistic”.
Nazar becomes visibly irritated. After several exchanges he is met by a police officer who suggests they speak away from the seats. Reports indicate he chose to leave rather than hide the familiar green limited-overs strip.
Lancashire confirmed an internal review on Monday: “We are aware of the incident referenced and are taking steps to understand the facts and context surrounding the matter fully,” a club spokesperson said.
It is not yet clear which of the five match days the incident occurred. The Test itself ended in a draw, India surviving all of the final day’s overs.
Context is awkward. Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan remain strained following a brief military flare-up in May. Cricket mirrors that chill. The countries have not met in a bilateral series since 2012-13 and last shared a Test in 2007-08. Even ICC events now rely on neutral venues to keep the two boards apart.
Old Trafford is actively courting Indian investment. Manchester Originals, the ground’s Hundred side, are expected to be 70% owned by Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG group, which also runs Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. Chief executive Daniel Gidney has even floated the idea of gifting the BCCI a slice of the Hundred to deepen ties.
Ground regulations allow stewards to act if clothing is deemed abusive or overtly political. Whether a Pakistan ODI top meets that threshold is precisely what Lancashire must decide. The club has not set a timeline for the inquiry.
Police have made no comment and Nazar has not responded to further requests for clarification.
