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Haris Rauf "6‑0" gesture and Sahibzada Farhan’s gun‑shot (Source:@AFP)
The India-Pakistan rivalry is more than just a sporting contest. It undoubtedly has a rich history, emotion, and national pride. Every run is cheered like a victory, and every wicket develops an emotional eruption.
Over the years, both teams have been involved in aggressive on-field gestures and celebrations, but this Asia Cup 2025 brought this under sharper scrutiny. With political tensions escalating daily between the two countries off the field, players' celebrations have become a crucial topic of discussion in this edition. Having said that, in this article, let's take a look at the most controversial celebrations between India and Pakistan.
Haris Rauf "6‑0" gesture
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Haris Rauf “6‑0” gesture (Source: AFP)
In one of the most controversial moments of Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf showed a "6-0" hand gesture toward Indian fans after he was teased with 'Kohli Kohli chants' during the Super 4 clash on September 21, 2025.
His gesture was widely interpreted as a political jibe that referred to Pakistan’s claim of shooting down six Indian fighter jets earlier in the year during post-Operation Sindoor tensions. It is important to mention that Rauf's video went viral in no time and triggered outrage across social media platforms.
Sahibzada Farhan’s gun‑shot mimic
Sahibzada Farhan’s gun‑shot mimic (Source: AFP)
Sahibzada Farhan took celebrations to a new level after reaching his half-century in India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash.
He mimicked a gun salute with his bat pointed toward the crowd and his teammates. Many viewers and fans described the gesture as resembling an AK-47. The celebration was slammed as 'insensitive' and 'reckless,' especially in the wake of regional conflict.
Abrar Ahmed's signature head‑tilt celebration
Abrar Ahmed's signature head‑tilt celebration (Source:AFP)
Abrar Ahmed reignited the controversy with his signature head-tilt celebration, this time directed at Shubman Gill after dismissing him in the Champions Trophy 2025. Ahmed’s tilt, followed by a gesture toward the pavilion, drew criticism from many fans, who felt it was a 'send-off disguised as style.'
Hardik Pandya's "bye‑bye" send‑off to Babar Azam
Hardik Pandya's "bye‑bye" send‑off to Babar Azam (Source:@ashokmalik,x.com)
After being dispatched to the boundary by Babar Azam, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya came back with venom and dismissed the then-Pakistan captain on the very next ball. But what caught everyone's attention was that he sent him off with a taunting "bye-bye" wave. This incident was during the Champions Trophy clash on February 23 in Dubai.
Venkatesh Prasad and Aamir Sohail's spat
Venkatesh Prasad and Aamir Sohail's spat (Source:@ICC,x.com)
Long before social media was around, Venkatesh Prasad and Aamir Sohail served up one of the most iconic moments in the rivalry of India vs Pakistan. After smashing boundaries, Sohail pointed his bat toward the fence and challenged Prasad to bowl there again. Prasad cleaned up Sohail's stumps the very next delivery, and this moment is still remembered and talked about.
