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.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
One such celebration was the one that Pakistani opener Sahibzada Farhan performed after the explosive batter completed his half-century against the Men in Blue.
While Farhan's performance at the top of the order was top-notch and helped his team post a fighting total against the mighty Indians, his celebration invited a lot of debate.
READ: 'Won the battle against India' - Haris Rauf's wife doubles down on '6-0' taunt
Sahibzada Farhan on gun celebrations vs India - "I don’t care"
Following the high-voltage clash in Dubai, Farhan addressed the media, where he was quizzed on his celebration, to which he said: "That (celebration) was just a moment at that time," Farhan said in a press conference after the match. “I do not do a lot of celebrations after scoring 50. But, it suddenly came to my mind that let’s have a celebration today. I did that.
"I don’t know how people will take it. I don’t care about that. And the rest, you know, you should play aggressive cricket wherever you play. It is not necessary that it is India. You should play aggressive cricket against every team, like we played today."
More: Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 points table: Detailed Standings for the continental T20 tournament
What next for the Pakistan cricket team?
Pakistan will be back in action in the Asia Cup 2025 on Tuesday as they take on Sri Lanka in a must-win game.
RELATED LINKS:
- Asia Cup 2025: TV channel online live stream and how to watch the T20 tournament from India
- Asia Cup 2025 Super 4: Rules, format, schedule, points and teams explained
- How to bet online on cricket in India and most trusted sites
- All the latest cricket news
- 2025 Asia Cup schedule, fixtures, match times, latest results and points table
- Asia Cup 2025 highest wicket-takers: Top 5 bowlers with most wickets in the T20 tournament in UAE
- Asia Cup 2025 highest run scorers: Top 5 batters with most runs in the T20 tournament in UAE