NewKerala.com

Key Points

Shaheen Shah Afridi has commented on the controversial gestures made by his teammates during the high-voltage match against India. He stated that the team's job is simply to play cricket and win the Asia Cup. The remarks come after Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan made provocative actions that went viral on social media. Pakistan now faces a crucial match against Bangladesh to qualify for the tournament final.

Key Points: Shaheen Afridi Responds to Haris Rauf Farhan Gestures in India Clash

  • Shaheen Afridi downplays teammates' provocative on-field gestures during India match
  • Haris Rauf made a '0-6' gesture referencing disputed aerial claims
  • Opener Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his fifty by holding his bat like a gun
  • Afridi stresses the team's primary focus is winning the Asia Cup trophy
2 min read

Our job is to play cricket: Afridi on controversial gesture from Pak cricketers

Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi addresses teammates' controversial gestures against India, emphasizing their focus is solely on winning the Asia Cup through cricket.

"Look, our job is to play cricket... we have come to win the Asia Cup. - Shaheen Shah Afridi"

Dubai, September 24

Ahead of the Asia Cup clash against Bangladesh, Pakistan seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi spoke on his teammate Haris Rauf's and Sahibzada Farhan's provocative gestures during their previous clash against India, saying, "Our job is to play cricket, and everyone's job is to play cricket".

During Pakistan's innings, opener Farhan, after completing his half-century, celebrated by holding his bat like a gun.

In the second innings, Rauf, who was stationed near the boundary rope, responded to the jeers from Indian spectators by lifting his fingers to indicate "0-6", a reference to Pakistan's groundless claims that they downed six Indian fighter jets during the four-day clash at the border after India's Operation Sindoor in May this year.

"Look, our job is to play cricket. Honestly, whatever we think, 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 Series. We have come to win the Asia Cup. And we are doing our best," Afridi told the media.

Rauf's reaction spread like wildfire, and videos of his gesture went viral on social media. The 31-year-old drew flak from numerous Indian fans, who trolled and lampooned him for his action.

During the incident, Rauf was teased by the fans with the chants of "Virat Kohli", as the legendary batter had hit him for two successive sixes during a tense run-chase of 160 runs at Melbourne during the T20 World Cup 2022, one of which has been described by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as the 'Shot of the Century.

Pakistan will face Bangladesh in their last fixture of the Super Four on Thursday. The match against Bangladesh could play a significant role in their qualification for the final.

Pakistan is heading into the clash with a commanding five-wicket win in the must-win Super Fours fixture at the ongoing Asia Cup at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday against Sri Lanka.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Afridi is right that their job is to play cricket, but then why allow such gestures? The bat-gun celebration and the 0-6 reference cross the line. ICC should take strict action to maintain the spirit of the game.
A
Arjun K
Honestly, fans chanting "Kohli" got to Rauf's head 😂 That Melbourne six still haunts him! But seriously, players should focus on their game rather than getting into these unnecessary controversies.
S
Sarah B
As a cricket enthusiast, I find this disappointing. The India-Pakistan rivalry is intense enough without bringing military references into the game. Let's keep politics out of sports.
V
Vikram M
The fact that Afridi had to address this shows how serious it is. Pakistani players should learn from how Indian players conduct themselves even under pressure. Sportsmanship matters more than temporary provocations.
M
Michael C
While I understand emotions run high in India-Pakistan matches, bringing military claims into cricket is inappropriate. The game should unite people, not divide them further. Hope both teams focus on cricket from now on.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50