Asia Cup 2022: Former ACB CEO Shafiq Stanikzai demands a ban for Asif Ali

Asif Ali (PC: Twitter)

The heated argument between Asif Ali and Fareed Ahmad stole all the limelight during Pakistan vs Afghanistan Super Four Asia Cup 2022 clash. The fiasco took place on the penultimate ball of the second-last over of the match. Afghanistan seamer Fareed bowled a short delivery and Asif gave an easy catch to the short fine leg fielder.

It was one of the match-defining moments as Asif had to walk back after scoring 16 runs off 8 balls. Happy with the wicket, Fareed decided to poke fun at the batter and it clearly didn’t go well. Asif seemed miffed with the seamer and he lifted his bat to almost hit the Afghan bowler.

Stanikzai defends Fareed

However, due to the intervention of the players and the umpires, the matter was solved quickly. Asif’s aggressive response towards the bowler didn’t go down well with many in the cricket fraternity as they slammed the 30-year-old for his conduct in the middle.

Former Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) CEO, Shafiq Stanikzai took to his official Twitter handle to blast the Pakistan batter. Stanikzai defended Fareed saying that every bowler has the right to celebrate a wicket but in no circumstances the batter should get physical. He also demanded a ban for Asif from the remaining Asia Cup 2022.

Stanikzai wrote on Twitter,

“This is stupidity at the extreme level by Asif Ali and should be banned from the rest of the tournament, any bowler has the right to celebrate but being physical is not acceptable at all.”

Shoaib Akhtar backs Asif Ali

Meanwhile, the Pakistan cricket fraternity has come forward to back their player. Shoaib Akhtar was one of the first ones to extend his support to Asif. The Rawalpindi Express believes that Afghanistan deserved to lose the match due to their arrogant behavior.

Notably, Naseem Shah steered the Green Army to victory by one wicket as he smacked two sixes off Fazalhaq Farooqi in the final over.

Shoaib said on Twitter,

“Afghan players put right back into their place by 19 year old kid Naseem Shah. Unforgettable match against people we have loved & supported always. Lekin bat tamizi aur arrogance nay un no foran neecha dikhaya.”

Also Read: Stupidity at extreme level: Gulbadin Naib lashes out at Asif Ali after fall-out