I remember when Dean Jones joined the PSL team Islamabad United and he had to be deported from Islamabad airport due to a minor misunderstanding.
But when I spoke to Ali Naqvi, the owner of his franchise, in front of me, he was attending the team’s opening ceremony at the Islamabad Club.
He told me that Dean Jones had arrived in Pakistan from Dubai without a visa and had been deported in accordance with the law. However, he was treated very politely by the Pakistani authorities.
Pakistani staff apologised to them and said that you have a lot of fans here and they love you very much so don’t worry, you have to go back. Dean Jones told Ali Naqvi that there was no grief of being deported, but the Pakistani authorities loved me very much.
Then when he came back after the visa issues were resolved, every player and staff expressed their love for him. During this time, we met him many times in different press conferences. I personally called him a kind person as seen.
But alas, he is no longer with us. While Pakistani fans are shocked by the departure of Dean Jones, they are also angry at Indian fans. He believed that not only was he being criticised for his comments during the Indian channel Star Sports and then on social media, but Indian fans were also hurling insults at him. Indian fans also demanded the immediate removal of Dean Jones.
A large number of Pakistani fans expressed their love for him on social media and shared his memories. His statements about Pakistan, about cricket and about the food here are the adornment of social media again today.
Cricketers, including veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, star fast-bowler Mohammad Amir and former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja expressed sorrow over the death of Jones on their official Twitter accounts.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Not the right time/place for a Pakistan v India rivalry (look how bad the other side is) piece dressed up as an opinion piece, Wasim.
Richie
Roar Rookie
He loved his state, he loved the MCG. He even planted some MCG turf in his back yard. He was definitely a unique cricketer who play with the utmost respect, but little regard for the opposition. RIP.
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
dont like this article.
Frank
Guest
I was expecting something around his brilliant career. Come on Roar, this is pathetic.
Mooty
Roar Rookie
I can’t comment regarding your attitude of Indian social media, as I haven’t read any from anywhere in the Sub Continent. My lasting memory of Dean Jones was at the MCG one day, I’d had a few, hot day, can’t remember who we were playing, it was a Test, a wicket fell, the place went a bit quiet, then this almighty roar. Deano was making his way to the crease. Sorry but can’t remember if he made a decent innings.