The Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium had its share of drama, and opener Sahibzada Farhan was right at the center of it. The 29-year-old Pakistan batter made headlines not just for his batting but for a controversial celebration that drew sharp reactions from fans and experts alike.
Farhan’s innings almost ended before it began when he edged the third ball of the innings, only for Abhishek Sharma to drop a straightforward catch at slip. Making the most of his lifeline, the opener switched gears quickly, taking on the Indian attack with an aggressive approach.
He soon reached his half-century in style, smashing Axar Patel for a six in the 10th over. But what followed overshadowed his batting. Farhan pulled out a bizarre “rocket launcher” celebration, using his bat as a gun and pretending to fire shots.
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While he seemed pleased with his antics, the act was widely criticised as unnecessary and in poor taste, especially in the backdrop of cricket’s call for keeping politics and provocative gestures away from the game.
Dube is dealing in wickets! 👏
The same bat that danced in celebration just danced out of Farhan’s hands 😅
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— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) September 21, 2025
Farhan’s innings eventually came to an unceremonious end in the 15th over. Facing Shivam Dube, he mistimed a slower delivery outside off and sliced it awkwardly off the toe-end. The ball ballooned to Suryakumar Yadav, who safely completed the catch. Farhan departed for 58 off 46 balls at a modest strike rate of 128.88, leaving many to feel his over-the-top celebration had backfired.
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For Pakistan, his dismissal was a setback at a key stage, while for India, it was yet another reminder of how composure and discipline often triumph over arrogance in high-pressure Indo-Pak clashes.
