Dubai: The high-voltage India vs Pakistan Super Fours clash in the Asia Cup has sparked political outrage in India after some controversial celebrations by Pakistani players drew widespread criticism.

During Pakistan’s innings, opener Sahibzada Farhan, after scoring a half-century, celebrated by holding his bat like a gun. The celebration stunned fans, with many taking to social media to express their disapproval.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Farhan addressed the incident. He insisted he does not care about the criticism and celebrated in the way he wanted.

“I think, if you talk about the sixes, you will see that (a lot) in the future. And that (celebration) was just a moment at that time. I do not do a lot of celebrations after scoring 50. But, it suddenly came to my mind that let's do a celebration today. I did that. I don't know how people will take it. I don't care about that. And the rest, you know, you should play aggressive cricket wherever you play. It is not necessary that it is India. You should play aggressive cricket against every team, like we played today,” he said.

In the second innings, Mohammad Rauf, positioned near the boundary, responded to jeers from Indian spectators by showing fingers to indicate “0-6”, a reference to Pakistan’s claims of downing six Indian fighter jets during the border clash following Operation Sindoor. The gesture quickly went viral, drawing criticism and memes from Indian fans, with some teasing him by chanting “Virat Kohli”, even though the Indian star had retired from the format last year.

Rauf’s theatrics were not limited to the boundary line. He was also involved in a heated exchange with India opener Abhishek Sharma during the fifth over. After a short-arm jab by Gill sent the ball racing for four, tensions flared, forcing Umpire Gazi Sohel to intervene and separate the two players.