Sahibzada Farhan’s ‘AK-47’ Gesture in Ind vs Pak Match Sparks Political Storm, Boycott Calls Resurface

India’s Asia Cup 2025 win over Pakistan was overshadowed by controversy after Pakistani cricketer Sahibzada Farhan mimicked an ‘AK-47’ with his bat to celebrate his half-century, while Haris Rauf gestured ‘0-6’. The provocative acts triggered a political storm in India, with leaders linking the gestures to terror attacks like Pahalgam and questioning why India played Pakistan despite ongoing hostilities. The ruling BJP and opposition traded barbs, while social media erupted with calls to boycott Pakistan cricket.

Admin Sep 22, 2025 29 0

Sahibzada Farhan’s ‘AK-47’ Gesture in Ind vs Pak Match Sparks Political Storm, Boycott Calls Resurface

India’s emphatic six-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash was marred by controversy after provocative gestures from Pakistani players Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf sparked a fresh political row in India.

The match, played in Dubai, saw India successfully chase down Pakistan’s target of 172 runs, courtesy of a commanding 105-run opening stand between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. However, the cricketing triumph was quickly overshadowed by off-field drama when Farhan celebrated his half-century by mimicking an ‘AK-47’ with his bat. The gesture immediately drew outrage from Indian fans and political leaders, many of whom linked it to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut lashed out, saying Farhan’s act was reminiscent of how terrorists gunned down 26 innocents in the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Similarly, Samajwadi Party’s Sharad Saran criticized the Indian government and the BCCI for allowing the match to go ahead, questioning why India should play Pakistan amidst rising hostilities.

If that wasn’t enough, Haris Rauf added fuel to the fire by gesturing ‘0-6’ during the second innings, which social media users interpreted as a mocking reference to Islamabad’s unverified claims of shooting down Indian fighter jets during the May military confrontation that followed Operation Sindoor.

The controversy quickly escalated into a political slugfest. The opposition accused the government of compromising national pride, while the BJP hit back through spokesperson Amit Malviya, who labeled the opposition “hypocrites” for opposing Indo-Pak matches but later celebrating India’s victory.

Videos of both gestures went viral across platforms, with hashtags like #BoycottPakistanCricket and #AK47Celebration trending on X. While many Indian fans condemned the theatrics, some Pakistani supporters defended the gestures as mere “on-field drama.”

The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened Indo-Pak tensions, with India having launched Operation Sindoor strikes earlier this year in response to the Pahalgam massacre. The political sensitivities surrounding cricketing ties between the two nations once again took center stage, leaving India’s dominant victory overshadowed by heated debates on whether sporting relations with Pakistan should continue.