Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan Sparks Controversy With Gun Gesture After Asia Cup Half-Century Against India

During the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four cricket match between India and Pakistan, Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan scored a powerful half-century, including five boundaries and three sixes, notably reaching his fifty with a six off Axar Patel. Farhan's celebration of this milestone involved a controversial 'gun-firing' gesture aimed at his dugout, which sparked significant backlash on social media due to its timing shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack. While some fans praised the passion and energy of his celebration, others saw it as insensitive and provocative, especially given the ongoing tensions between the two nations. The match itself was marked by high tension, including India's captain Suryakumar Yadav refusing to shake hands with the Pakistani captain at the toss and India dedicating their previous victory to terror attack victims and armed forces. Farhan's innings was critical in Pakistan's strong start, helping them reach 91 runs in the first 10 overs and setting a brisk run rate against India's bowling attack. This incident has fueled further debate over sportsmanship and political sensitivities in cricket matches between the two countries.