After losing to India, Pakistanis have turned their ire on one of their own. Singer Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan has been attacked in Pakistan on various platforms for what many said was his substandard performance of the national anthem at the Eden Gardens in front of thousands.

Khan and Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan were present in Eden Gardens alongside the two teams to sing their respective national anthems before the highly anticipated game.

However, the Pakistani singer could not keep up with the lyrics of his anthem, which caused displeasure among many fans across the country.

“He jinxed our chances of winning the game with his poor performance,” said fan Rehan Hafeez, who along with thousands of others vented their anger on social media.

In his unforgiving tweet, fan Umer Tariq commented: “Shafqat Amanat Ali should be deported if he steps in the country again, made a mockery of the national anthem.”

Even his friends did not forgive the singer. Ali Haider commented, “Shafqat Amanat Ali is a friend & 1 of the best voices around. But he was a real disappointment with the national anthem @ the #PAKvsIND game.”

In his defence, Khan apologised for his performance, saying he was deeply hurt by the little faith that Pakistanis showed in him.

Going on social media, he said, “I admit that there were a few audio and technical glitches that may have sounded like lyrical errors and I will surely apologise for not being able to win your praises this time, but assure you I had by no means “forgotten” our beloved ‘Qaumi Tarana’.”