Cricket fans will remember the heated altercation between Afghan cricketer Naveen-ul-Haq and Indian star Virat Kohli during IPL 2023. The incident became a viral sensation, and while two years have passed since that confrontation, it remains a hot topic among fans. Naveen, who seems to be relentlessly chased by memories of that event, recently expressed his exhaustion, saying, “Just stop it already; find something new.” Currently, Naveen is playing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and faced another wave of Kohli-related pranks set up by his team, Barbados Royals.
Back to the Pranks
Founded in 2013, the Caribbean Premier League is one of the most entertaining T20 leagues, launching its 12th edition on August 30, featuring six teams. As part of the festivities leading up to the league, Naveen-ul-Haq is now a member of the Barbados Royals. The team’s management decided to pull a prank on Naveen, flooding him with reminders of his notorious clash with Kohli. In a playful video shared on social media, wherever Naveen goes, he finds himself reminded of Virat, whether it’s spotting Virat on his phone or receiving room service suggesting he watch channel 18, which likely highlights Kohli’s highlights. After experiencing these constant reminders, Naveen amusingly declares, “Just stop it already; find something new.”
The Fan Reactions
The video has sparked a joyful response from fans. Many viewed it as an innovative way to promote the CPL. Some users shared images from Naveen and Kohli’s earlier confrontation, while others cheekily referred to Virat as a figure of intimidation, fully enjoying the ongoing banter.
Memorable Tweets
Sorry Naveen 😰😂
— Barbados Royals (@BarbadosRoyals) August 28, 2024
The Face Of Fear 🔥
— ᴠɪʀᴀᴛ U͜͡ᴅᴀʏ ☮ (@SkipperKohliFan) August 28, 2024
What Happened During IPL 2023?
The original conflict originates from a match in IPL 2023 between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants. After RCB’s victory, Kohli approached Naveen for a handshake, but Naveen did not reciprocate, displaying his displeasure. Following the match, Lucknow’s captain, KL Rahul, attempted to mediate by calling Naveen over to apologize to Kohli. However, Naveen flatly refused, further escalating the situation. Consequently, the fallout from this exchange led to Kohli and Gautam Gambhir both receiving penalties equivalent to 100% of their match fees, while Naveen received a 50% deduction.
The Impact of Their Rivalry
This interaction demonstrated not only the competitive spirit present in cricket but also how personalities can become emblematic of larger narratives within the sport. Naveen and Kohli’s rivalry has captivated fans and generated extensive discussions on social media platforms, highlighting the emotional depth that sports can elicit among fans and players alike. As the Caribbean Premier League gets underway, fans eagerly anticipate further developments in this ongoing saga.
