Indian fans and politicians are once again calling on their team to boycott the cricket match against Pakistan, following the celebrations by Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf that triggered India.
The super four match of the T20 Asia Cup 2025 was held in Dubai, where India once again comfortably defeated Pakistan by six wickets.
What Really Happened?
Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf’s gestures during the match in Dubai on Sunday have ignited significant controversy in India.
Farhan’s bat-pointing gesture, which some Indian viewers interpreted as mimicking a ‘rifle,’ sparked accusations that he was mocking the victims of the Pahalgam attack – an incident India blamed on Pakistan, though without concrete evidence or international validation.
Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf responded to some Indian fans by “6-0” gestures, and later celebrated his wicket with a ‘plane destroy action’.
These actions of Pakistani players triggered Indian players, fans, and Political figures alike, with boycott calls have been revived, as reported by Indian media.
READ: Pakistan vs India: Fans call umpiring ‘poor, baised’
Indian Politician’s Reaction to Pakistan’s celebration
According to Indian media reports, the Indian political figures reacted to the actions with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut terming Farhan’s gesture as disrespectful, equating it to the terrorism of the Pahalgam attack.
Raut expressed his anger on social media, saying, “Reaching fifty and gripping the bat like an AK-47, firing boundaries! This is peak humiliation for India. Jay Shah deserves the Bharat Ratna for enabling this shame.”
Sharad Saran from the Samajwadi Party also criticized Farhan’s actions, questioning why India even played against Pakistan under such circumstances, as per the reports.
Saran’s post on social media read: “He mocked India in the name of the Pahalgam killings. If Modi had wanted, would India play cricket with Pakistan?”
Another Indian politician, Saurabh Bharadwaj, also criticized Haris Rauf’s actions, calling them an insult to India. “Why were Pakistanis given such a platform on the world stage?” he asked, suggesting India should have walked out of the match at that moment.
Fans Reaction
Indian fans have been vocal on social media following the controversial gestures during the India vs Pakistan match, here are some posts of Indian fans.
WATCH: Harris Rauf was instigating Indian fans during the India vs Pakistan match
— Sensei Kraken Zero (@YearOfTheKraken) September 21, 2025
He was gesturing with his hands that planes have crashed.
This disgusting and incompetent player was also chanting 6-0 during practice sessions. pic.twitter.com/zhwQGhYHEZ
Pakistani cricketer Sahibzada Farhan mimicked an AK-47 with his bat during a match against India. This isn’t just a gesture — it reflects a deeper problem.
— Zahack Tanvir — ضحاك تنوير (@ZahackTanvir) September 21, 2025
From military generals to actors, doctors to cricketers, radical jihadist symbolism is ingrained in Pakistan’s psyche.… pic.twitter.com/0GsWBKqkfk
🚨 Controversy in Asia Cup!
— ARIKA🇮🇳🚩 (@nidhisj2001) September 21, 2025
Pakistani player Sahibzada Farhan scores a fifty vs India & celebrates by mimicking an AK-47 with his bat aimed at the crowd.
👀 Terror-style gesture sparks outrage!#AsiaCup #INDvPAK #SahibzadaFarhan pic.twitter.com/5vW1lFUz0m
Sahibzada Farhan responds to backlash
On the other hand, Sahibzada Farhan during a pre-match press conference said,
“Usually, I don’t celebrate half century, but that was a special moment for me, and I felt it should be celebrated. I don’t care how people interpret my celebration.”
Was Sahibzada Farhan’s ‘gun celebration’ a first in cricket history?
It’s important to note that this wasn’t the first time a player has celebrated in such a manner.
Former Indian captain MS Dhoni performed a similar gesture against Sri Lanka, and South African south paw Rilee Rossouw also celebrated in the same style while playing for Punjab Kings in the IPL.
What Does ICC Rules Says About Celebration?
Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) does not have specific rules dictating how players must celebrate a wicket or a 50.
Instead, it has a Code of Conduct that governs on-field behavior, ensuring celebrations remain within the “spirit of cricket” and do not escalate into unsporting or offensive conduct.
