Asia Cup 2025: Shaheen Afridi responds to criticism over on-field gestures
**Asia Cup: Shaheen Afridi Responds to Criticism Over On-Field Behavior**
*By Parth Dhall | Sep 24, 2025, 6:52 pm*
Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi has addressed the criticism surrounding his team’s on-field behavior during the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup Super Fours match against India in Dubai. Instead of directly responding to the controversy, Afridi chose to focus on Pakistan’s performance and their goal to reach the tournament final.
### Focus on Performance
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Pakistan’s final Super Fours game against Bangladesh, Afridi emphasized the team’s commitment to their cricket.
“Our job is to come and play cricket,” he said. “Whatever people think, they have their own opinions.”
He further highlighted the team’s recent success, mentioning their victory in the tri-nation series and their current aim for the Asia Cup title.
“We are putting in full effort to ensure we can make Pakistan happy,” Afridi added.
### Gesture Controversy
The recent controversy stemmed from the on-field gestures of Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan during the high-pressure encounter against India.
Rauf was seen mimicking Pakistan’s claim of shooting down six Indian fighter jets with a hand gesture, while Farhan attracted attention for a celebratory gun sign after reaching his half-century.
These actions sparked backlash from fans and cricket pundits, many criticizing the gestures as provocative given the tense political climate between the two nations.
### Tournament Outlook
Despite the off-field distractions, Afridi reaffirmed that the team’s focus remains firmly on cricket.
“Everyone has their own respect. Everyone thinks the way they think. But our job is to play cricket. We have come to win the tri-nation series, and we have come to win the Asia Cup. God willing, as a team, we are doing our best,” he asserted.
### Broader Context of Conflict
The India-Pakistan rivalry has been particularly intense since the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which escalated tensions considerably. In response to the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, while Pakistan retaliated through drone strikes.
Despite these heightened tensions, the Asia Cup schedule grouped India and Pakistan together, a decision that drew sharp criticism. The first India-Pakistan match of the tournament witnessed boycott calls and numerous off-field controversies. The recent celebrations by Farhan and Rauf have only added to the ongoing list of issues surrounding this fiercely contested rivalry.
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Shaheen Afridi’s remarks underline the team’s determination to stay focused amid controversies and strive for victory in the Asia Cup. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as the tournament progresses.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/shaheen-afridi-talks-about-pakistan-s-on-field-gestures-against-india/story
