Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) faced backlash from Indian fans after posting a map of India on social media that depicted inaccurate borders of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh regions.
The map was part of a creative announcement detailing the Kiwis’ travel plans to Pune for the second Test against India, scheduled to begin on October 24.
The now-deleted post drew heavy criticism across platforms, with many fans expressing anger over the incorrect depiction of India’s northern borders.
Several users took to X (formerly Twitter) to demand corrections, with one fan tagging India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and calling for action. “Please look at this map, posted by New Zealand Cricket handle. They are showing the wrong map of India,” the fan wrote.
Another user commented, “We can’t imagine how you could post an incorrect map. Please correct this.”
A different fan added, “Do not post an incorrect map of India’s northern border.”
Following the uproar, NZC promptly deleted the post, but the controversy continued to brew online.
The controversy follows New Zealand’s memorable eight-wicket win over India in the first Test at Bengaluru. The victory was New Zealand’s first Test win on Indian soil since 1988.
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Rachin Ravindra, who was a standout performer in the match, anchored the chase with 39 not out, alongside Will Young’s unbeaten 48.
India’s bowlers had briefly raised hopes on the final day after dismissing Tom Latham for a duck and trapping Devon Conway for 17, but the 75-run stand between Ravindra and Young sealed the game for the Kiwis.
With the second Test starting in Pune on October 24, India will look to bounce back.
