{
  "id": 7074291,
  "title": "Watch: Joe Root meets Pakistan fan, wins hearts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/watch-joe-root-meets-pakistan-fan-wins-hearts",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-13T06:28:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/cricket/watch-joe-root-meets-pakistan-fan-wins-hearts-1.500672779"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "England cricket star Joe Root has been commended for his cordial encounter with a fan of the rival Pakistan team at their hotel. The gesture exuded warmth and goodwill, contrasting the fierce rivalries on the cricket field. The fan, identified as Aroob Haroon, had been anxiously awaiting a chance to meet the England batter as they concluded a 3-0 Test series triumph over Pakistan. Root, arriving at the stadium, immediately stepped out of his vehicle to greet the enthusiastic Pakistani supporter. Social media users lauded the heartening interaction, with many expressing admiration for Root's respectful demeanor. The brief meet-and-greet showcased the mutual appreciation between athletes and their dedicated supporters, even amidst the competitive spirit of international cricket. Earlier, another Pakistani fan, Razaullah, had also met the same England player during the third Test match. Root's performance was instrumental in England's eight-wicket victory in the third Test at Edgbaston. In a remarkable feat, the veteran batsman scored 62 runs off just 69 deliveries, contributing significantly to England's clean sweep. This half-century also saw Root break a significant Test record, surpassing Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar's previous tally of 68 fifty-plus scores. Now, at the age of 35, Root holds the top spot in the all-time list of players with the most 50-plus scores in Test cricket. He now ties with another cricket giant, Sachin Tendulkar, in this category. Among the other notable players are Australia's Allan Border and India's Rahul Dravid, who are tied for third place with 63 each. As Root continues his stellar cricket career, the question arises: Can he still manage to break Sachin Tendulkar's all-time Test record?",
  "summary": "England star Joe Root won praise for a warm gesture towards a Pakistan fan outside the team hotel after England completed a 3-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan. Root stopped to meet the fan, who had waited outside the hotel hoping to catch a glimpse of the England batter. According to social media posts, the fan was identified as Aroob Haroon. Joe Root stepped out of his car as he arrived at the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}