In a match that was supposed to be a celebration of cricketing rivalry, the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash between India and Pakistan turned into a political flashpoint.
India clinched a six-wicket win, but the spotlight quickly shifted to Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf, whose on-field gestures stirred outrage across India.
Farhan, after reaching his half-century, mimicked firing an “AK-47” with his bat—a move widely condemned as insensitive and provocative. Social media erupted, with many linking the gesture to recent terror attacks, including the April 22 Pahalgam massacre that claimed 26 civilian lives.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut called the act “a spit in the face of India,” while Samajwadi Party’s Sharad Saran questioned the wisdom of playing Pakistan amid heightened tensions.
BJP’s Amit Malviya accused the Opposition of hypocrisy, noting their earlier calls for boycott contrasted with their enthusiastic viewership.
Adding fuel to the fire, Haris Rauf responded to Indian fans with a “0-6” hand signal—interpreted as a reference to Islamabad’s disputed military claims during the May standoff following India’s Operation Sindoor.
Despite the controversy, India’s openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill delivered a commanding 105-run partnership, chasing down 172 with seven balls to spare.
But the political undertones of the match have reignited debate over sports diplomacy and the ethics of engagement with hostile neighbours.
