Guwahati: Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has addressed the controversy surrounding his gun celebration against India during the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s clash on September 21.
Farhan, who scored a fifty in the match, hit a six off Axar Patel in the 10th over and celebrated by holding his bat like a gun, pointing it toward the dugout and mimicking firing. The gesture drew widespread criticism on social media for being provocative.
Speaking at the press conference ahead of Pakistan’s match against Sri Lanka, Farhan said the celebration was spontaneous.
“It just came to my mind at that moment. I don’t do many celebrations after scoring 50, but I thought let’s do one today. I did it, and I don’t care how people perceive it,” he said. He added that his focus remains on playing aggressive cricket, regardless of the opponent.
Farhan’s innings of 58 off 45 balls helped Pakistan post 171 in the first innings, but India went on to win the match by six wickets.
The opener was not the only Pakistan player criticized for his gestures; Haris Rauf also faced backlash for making a fighter jet gesture in response to Virat Kohli chants during the match.