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"Everyone has the right to express": Shaheen Afridi defends Rauf's objectionable gestures

Arunima Purohit

Shaheen Afridi [Source: @dhillow_]Shaheen Afridi [Source: @dhillow_]

The India vs Pakistan matches have always been dramatic and controversial. In their previous encounter, Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan were spotted making unwanted gestures against India, which drew much criticism. 

While the experts and fans condemned the actions, Pakistan's premium pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi finally broke his silence when he was asked about Rauf and Farhan's gestures at the recent press conference. Despite making 171 runs in the first innings, the Men in Green failed to defend the score against India. However, they have made steady progress in the tournament by beating Sri Lanka in the previous match. 

Shaheen Afridi's wise words on the Rauf-Farhan controversy

Shaheen Afridi's performance against Sri Lanka was outstanding as he claimed three wickets and dismissed the critical batters in crunch situations. When he was asked about the Rauf-Farhan controversy, he replied with a non-serious manner, saying, 'Everyone has the right to express.' He tried to keep the focus on playing cricket and not indulge in any controversy. 

"Look, our job is to play cricket. Honestly, everyone has the right to express the way they want to. Everyone has their own respect. Everyone thinks the way they think. But our job is to play cricket. And we have come to win the tri-nation Series. We have come to win the Asia Cup. And we, God willing, as a team, are doing our best," said Shaheen Afridi in the press conference.

Shaheen Afridi Confident About Pakistan's Chances

Pakistan are likely to face India in the finals for the first time if they win against Bangladesh. Despite losing two matches against India in the Asia Cup 2025, Shaheen Afridi confidently said that if Pakistan meet their arch-rivals again, they'll defeat them. 

"They have not reached the final yet. We will see when they reach the final. We have come here to win the final and win the Asia Cup. We are ready for any team that comes. We will defeat them," he said.

There is a high chance that India will qualify for the finals since they'll play against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Pakistan have their last match against Bangladesh on September 25. If they are defeated, then they'll be out of the tournament. The Asia Cup 2025 has gotten quite interesting, and all eyes will be on the upcoming clashes.