Why Pakistan’s ‘Mr Bean’ said ‘I love you Zimbabwe’ after his country’s T20 World Cup defeat
It all goes back to 2016, when Asif Mohammad aka Pakistan’s Mr Bean performed in Zimbabwe and disappointed audiences.
Here is the official statement of Pak Bean Mr Bean about his #Zimbabwe tour!
— Adeel Khaan (@djadeelkhaan) October 27, 2022
He loves Zimbabwe and #Zimbabweans
Spread love and peace 🇵🇰@apj234 @NewsDayZimbabwe @ZBCNewsonline
@zimnewsonline @zimbabwenese @ZimbabweNewss#MrBean #PakBean #PAKvsZIM #ZimVsPak #ICCRankings #Peace pic.twitter.com/Ez36OxrgUS
Why did Zimbabwe and Pakistan fans exchange barbs and memes on social media after Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by just one run in a thrilling match at the ICC T20 World Cup in Perth on Thursday, October 27?
In a (partly) good-humoured way, several Zimbabwe fans saw this as vindication for Pakistan’s having sent its Mr Bean lookalike, Asif Mohammad, to perform in the African country in 2016. Back then, the comedian who masqueraded as the popular comedic character Mr Bean – made famous on screen by the English actor Rowan Atkinson – earned less than rave reviews.
In fact, even before Zimbabwe’s match with Pakistan, fans had been demanding revenge.
As Zimbabweans we wont forgive you...you once gave us that Fraud Pak Bean instead of Mr Bean Rowan ..we will settle the matter tommorow just pray the rains will save you...#ZIMVSPAK
— Ngugi Chasura (@mhanduwe0718061) October 25, 2022
After Zimbabwe’s win, the country’s president Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa tweeted his congratulations and suggested Pakistan send ‘the real Mr Bean’ next time.
What a win for Zimbabwe! Congratulations to the Chevrons.
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) October 27, 2022
Next time, send the real Mr Bean…#PakvsZim 🇿🇼
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif tweeted his repartee.
We may not have the real Mr Bean, but we have real cricketing spirit .. and we Pakistanis have a funny habit of bouncing back :)
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 27, 2022
Mr President: Congratulations. Your team played really well today. 👏 https://t.co/oKhzEvU972
Eventually, the performer Asif Muhammad himself tweeted a video response. Dressed as Mr Bean in the legendary brown suit and holding a teddy bear, he said, ‘I Love You Zimbabwe’.