Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan scored a brilliant 34-ball fifty against India in the Super Fours stage of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
After reaching his fifties, Farhan celebrated with a gunfire gesture using his bat, a move that quickly went viral on social media and drew widespread criticism.
In India-Pakistan matches, every on-field gesture attracts scrutiny. Farhan’s gunfire celebration reminded many Indian fans of past terrorist attacks, including the Pahalgam attack, which killed innocent tourists and heightened tensions between the two countries.
The gesture has been seen as provocative, especially given India’s previous stance of suspending bilateral cricket with Pakistan, allowing matches only in ACC or ICC multi-nation events.
The celebration also appears to reference India’s no-handshake policy in the previous Asia Cup encounter, where Indian players avoided shaking hands with Pakistani players in Dubai.
Farhan has performed similar celebrations in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) before. However, fans noted that his gesture in Sunday’s match was particularly insensitive due to its perceived connection to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians.
Despite the controversy, Farhan’s innings anchored Pakistan’s score. He top-scored with 58 runs, while Faheem Ashraf added a quick unbeaten 20 off eight balls, helping Pakistan post 171/5 in 20 overs.
Farhan showcased clever footwork and shot selection, regularly disrupting India’s bowling attack, especially during the Power-play when he attacked Jasprit Bumrah, who conceded 34 runs in his first three overs.
Pakistan raced to 91/1 in the first 10 overs, with Farhan sharing a 72-run second-wicket partnership with Saim Ayub. However, the team lost momentum when Shivam Dube entered the attack.
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