I grew up watching Cricket in the 80’s and “Paki” literally meant a player from Pakistan, like “Pom” for England, “Kiwi” for New Zealand and “Aussie” for Australia. It wasn’t a slur at all. Thanks to the Internet, I am aware that it has a very different connotation in the UK. The term has fallen out of use for obvious reasons, but if I heard someone referring to the Pakistani Cricket team as “Pakis”, I would no assume any malice at all.
That said, Sam Kerr has lived in the UK for long enough that she would be aware this is not appropriate. Ever.
Not that we know what the details are, and this pure speculation isn’t really achieving anything.
I grew up watching Cricket in the 80’s and “Paki” literally meant a player from Pakistan, like “Pom” for England, “Kiwi” for New Zealand and “Aussie” for Australia. It wasn’t a slur at all. Thanks to the Internet, I am aware that it has a very different connotation in the UK. The term has fallen out of use for obvious reasons, but if I heard someone referring to the Pakistani Cricket team as “Pakis”, I would no assume any malice at all.
That said, Sam Kerr has lived in the UK for long enough that she would be aware this is not appropriate. Ever.
Not that we know what the details are, and this pure speculation isn’t really achieving anything.
To be honest I don’t follow any sports at all, was just curious about what was going on. But you’re right, speculation doesn’t help anyone.