By News18,Siddarth Sriram
Copyright news18
Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan lit up the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash with a blistering half-century against India on Sunday, but his milestone celebration overshadowed his performance and provoked a storm of controversy.
Farhan tore into India’s spinners during the powerplay, smashing five boundaries and three sixes in an attacking knock that helped Pakistan race to 91 runs in the opening 10 overs. He reached his fifty in style, launching Axar Patel over the ropes for a towering six.
Immediately after reaching the milestone, Farhan turned toward his dugout and mimicked a “gun-firing” gesture, a celebration that was broadcast widely and instantly set social media ablaze.
Sahibzada Farhan hunting Rafale and Indian cricket team. pic.twitter.com/Qdo0RrZYWa
— Azlan (@azlanxz) September 21, 2025
The timing was particularly sensitive. Just months earlier, 26 Indian tourists were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, an assault carried out by militants from Pakistan. Against this backdrop, the symbolism of Farhan’s celebration was branded by many as “deeply insensitive” and “distasteful.”
Social Media Backlash
Farhan’s gesture triggered a wave of criticism online. Indian fans, as well as neutral observers, accused the batsman of poor judgment in a high-stakes rivalry that already carries immense political and emotional weight.
Sahibzada Farhan’s fifty celebration?
How much more mockery our Army will u allow?? @JayShah ?Shame? #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/FLrbNbjOPw
— Avishek Goyal (@AG_knocks) September 21, 2025
What on earth was that from Sahibzada Farhan after his 50?🤯
Literally firing gunshots in the air. This won’t sit well with India.
3 dropped catches in 6 overs was unacceptable, but this should be the wake-up call.
Brace for India’s reply ??? #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/BHFsi0v0QT
— Mayank (Sports Analyst) (@mayankglt) September 21, 2025
Sahibzada Farhan’s 50 vs India and the celebration says it all…..Shame on BCCI and Gov..#INDvsPAK2025 #AsiaCupT20 #PakVsInd
pic.twitter.com/whOe7vRQX1
— sheikh s (@sheikh_shahan_) September 21, 2025
Pak player Sahibzada Farhan is celebrating his fifty like this…
How much more shamelessness can be tolerated for the sake of money…#INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/nbTuSVhUvM
— Mrigendra Pratap Singh (@MrigendraSpeaks) September 21, 2025
A very disgraceful act by Sahibzada Farhan, imitating the shooting down of Indian aircraft during a cricket match. Sports should never be mixed with politics.
#IndiavsPak #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/nC6CrQrjfn
— Lit End (@Lit_End_) September 21, 2025
While some defended the celebration as “heat-of-the-moment exuberance,” the majority of reactions condemned it as inappropriate.
