Pakistani cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan‘s gestures during the Asia Cup match against India in Dubai on Sunday have sparked controversy, with politicians also weighing in. One of the Pak players reportedly alluded to the four-day military clash during Operation Sindoor, while another in Sahibzada Farhan mimicked pointing his bat like a gun, likened to an ‘AK-47’.
The controversial gestures by the two Pakistani cricketers Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf also reignited the political debate whether India should have boycotted Pakistan in the Asia Cup.Pakistan’s Haris Rauf, during the second innings of the match that India won, responded to jeers from the spectators by lifting his fingers and indicating ‘0-6’ – a reference that social media decoded to be Islamabad’s unsubstantiated claims of downing Indian fighter jets during the military conflict in May this year post Operation Sindoor.
During the first innings, Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his half century with his bat pointed like a gun, a gesture that drew flak with viewers calling it unnecessary drama out of Pakistani being spoilsports. Some suggested Sahibzada Farhan mimicked an AK-47 with his bat, saying, “This isn’t just a gesture — it reflects a deeper problem.”
Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan played a big role in helping his team reach a respectable total of 171 against India in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match on Sunday. Farhan bought some time in the middle, scoring 58 runs from 45 balls, before being sent packing by India all-rounder Shivam Dube.
While Sahibzada Farhan’s half-century gave Pakistan a decent foundation, it was his celebration after reaching the milestone that became a hot talking point among fans. After crossing the 50-run mark, SahibzadaFarhan celebrated the landmark using ‘gun gesture’. The celebration left fans in stunned, with some even criticising the opening batter.
Speaking at the press conference on Monday, on the eve of Pakistan’s second Super 4 match against Sri Lanka, Farhan was asked about his celebration against India. The 29-year-old Sahibzada Farhan said that he doesn’t care about what anyone thinks (mujhe parwah nahi), he celebrated in the manner as he wanted to.
Sahibzada Farhan is unapologetic regarding his AK47 Gesture Against India in Asia Cup 2025
Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan exuded confidence ahead of the crucial Super 4 clash against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025, aiming to secure a place in the final and a potential third showdown against India. Following a hard-fought but ultimately unsuccessful battle against India in Dubai, Pakistan is determined to regroup and reclaim momentum in the tournament.
Sahibzada Farhan showcased his explosive batting prowess in the India vs Pakistan Super Four match on Sunday, scoring a rapid 58 off 34 balls. His innings, peppered with 5 fours and 3 sixes, provided a much-needed boost for Pakistan after the early dismissal of Fakhar Zaman. Partnering with Saim Ayub, Farhan steadied the innings during a middle-over wobble, proving his mettle as a dependable opener.
Despite Pakistan’s loss by six wickets, Farhan’s knock was a silver lining. He admitted post-match that the team needs to capitalize on powerplays and maintain momentum throughout the innings to enhance their chances in knockout games.
Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has broken silence on his gun celebration against India during the Super 4s clash in the Asia Cup 2025, which courted controversy on Sunday, September 21. Farhan hit a six off Axar Patel in the 10th over of the match to bring up his fifty and decided to use a unique celebration.
The opener held his bat like a gun and pointed to the dug out and mimicked as if he was firing it. The celebration was widely perceived as provocative and caused an uproar on social media. Speaking at the press conference for the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match, Sahibzada Farhan commented on the celebration and said it was something he did at the moment.
The 29-year-old said that the thought just came to his mind and he doesn’t care about how people perceive it. The opener stressed that he wants his side to continue playing aggressive cricket, just like they did in the first 10 overs against India.
“In my opinion, what we missed in the last match was utilizing the powerplay. Today, apart from Fakhar, we didn’t lose early wickets and had a very good start — around 90 runs in the first 10 overs. In the middle overs we did collapse a little, but we will fix that as well,” Farhan said.
Sahibzada Farhan’s half-century celebration, mimicking an AK-47, became a talking point worldwide. While some fans praised his passion, others criticized the gesture given the charged atmosphere of an India-Pakistan match. Sahibzada Farhan defended the act as spontaneous and unplanned, emphasizing that his aggression was not aimed at any specific team but was part of his competitive cricketing spirit.
“It was just in the moment. I rarely celebrate fifties. It just suddenly came to me that I should do a celebration, and it happened like that. You have to play aggressive cricket, be it any opposition,” he explained.
The gesture, while controversial, highlighted the intensity and emotional stakes of the Asia Cup, reflecting Sahibzada Farhan’s determination to take Pakistan deep into the tournament.
With Pakistan at the bottom of the Super Four standings and a net run rate of -0.689, the upcoming Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match is do-or-die. Farhan emphasized teamwork, strategic planning, and composure as key elements for success. The team hopes to address batting collapses in the middle overs and leverage their strong starts to post competitive totals.
“The wicket is true, the ball is coming nicely, and since it’s a do-or-die match, we are determined to win,” Farhan said ahead of the clash at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
A win against Sri Lanka would set up a final Super Four clash against Bangladesh, making a Pakistan vs India Asia Cup final a tangible possibility.
The Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage is heating up, with India leading the table thanks to a net run rate of +0.689. Bangladesh secured a second-place spot after defeating Sri Lanka, while Sri Lanka sits third. Pakistan must win its remaining matches to stay in contention.
Experts suggest Pakistan’s strategy must focus on aggressive batting in powerplays, building strong partnerships, and leveraging Farhan’s form as a catalyst. The upcoming clash against Sri Lanka will test Pakistan’s ability to adapt under pressure and deliver a high-scoring performance. Pakistan will now take on Sri Lanka in an almost must-win encounter at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, September 23.
Also Read: ENG vs IND : Shubman Gill Appointed Test Skipper For Red Ball