The latest India-Pakistan clash at the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai was billed as a battle of skill and nerves. India's top order ensured the cricketing side was one-sided with Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma powering a six-wicket win.
But the evening was not just about runs and wickets. Heated exchanges and provocative gestures dominated headlines - sparking sharp criticism from former cricketers, including Irfan Pathan.
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Irfan Pathan criticizes Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan after IND vs PAK
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan expressed disappointment over the behaviour of Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan. Farhan's "gunshot" celebration after his half-century drew widespread backlash online while Rauf's fiery exchanges with Indian openers added further tension.
Pathan didn't mince words, saying:
"What these two boys (Rauf and Farhan) did only reflects their upbringing, where they come from and what they represent."
Haris Rauf's heated exchange with Indian openers
The flashpoint came in India's chase of 172 when Gill punched Rauf to the boundary. The pacer responded with animated gestures and words which quickly escalated into a verbal spat.
Abhishek Sharma - standing at the non-striker's end, stepped in to support Gill and the confrontation intensified. Umpires were forced to intervene and calm tempers before play resumed.
More: Sunil Gavaskar on IND vs PAK: ‘Pressure was on the Indians’ as India cruise in Asia Cup 2025 Super 4
While such aggression is not unusual in an India-Pakistan contest, many felt Rauf's behaviour went beyond the line of healthy competitiveness.
India's dominance with the bat made the result straightforward but the fiery incidents ensured the game will be remembered as much for its controversies as its cricket. With emotions running high, this rivalry once again proved it's about more than just the scoreboard.
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