Sparks are always expected to fly in an India vs Pakistan match, and their recent encounter in the ACC Asia Cup’s Super 4 round was no different.
During the first innings, Pakistan’s opening batsman, Sahibzada Farhan, broke into a controversial celebratory gesture after scoring a 50, using his bat to pose as if he were shooting from a rifle.
In the second innings, Pakistan’s bowler, Haris Rauf, was seen making plane crash gestures (likely alluding to his country’s claim of downing Indian military jets) to the crowd while fielding near the boundary rope.
Since this match is only taking place months after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the response to these antics has been heavily criticized by the Indian crowd.
Shaheen Afridi’s opinion on these Gestures
In conversation with reporters in a press conference on September 24, 2025, Pakistani fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi, said this about the abovementioned controversial gestures that his teammates, Sahizada Farhan and Haris Rauf, made during the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Super 4 match:
“Look, our job is to play cricket. Honestly, everyone has the right to express the way they want to“.
He continued “Everyone has their own respect. Everyone thinks the way they think. But our job is to play cricket. And we have come to win the tri-nation Series. We have come to win the Asia Cup. And we, God willing, as a team, are doing our best“.
