Controversy erupts! Gulbadin Naib fires back at Sam Curran, Mohammad Amir over mockery of his celebration in ILT20
Published - 10 Feb 2025, 03:05 PM
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Afghanistan’s former captain and seasoned all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and his trademark celebration was the center of attraction during the ILT20 2025 final between Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers on Sunday (February 9) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.
During Desert Vipers’ innings, Sam Curran had sparked some playful drama by mimicking Gulbadin Naib's famous bicep-flexing celebration. The incident happened in the 17th over when the Afghan star bowled a back-of-a-length delivery that Curran tapped towards long-off for a single.
Sam Curran and Mohammed Amir mocked Gulbadin Naib during the ILT20 2025 Final
The former Afghanistan captain had a chance to stop the ball cleanly but ended up deflecting it instead. Making the most of the moment, the England all-rounder cheekily copied Naib's signature biceps pose while running between the wickets.
Adding to the fun, Sam Curran gave Naib a friendly hug, but the Afghan all-rounder didn’t look amused by the playful gesture. Notably, Naib flexes his biceps in celebration whenever he takes a wicket or reaches the milestone with the bat during the matches.
A mini battle is on full display.
— International League T20 (@ILT20Official) February 9, 2025
Sam Curran ⚔️ Gulbadin Naib is one to watch out for! 🥵#Final #DPWorldILT20 #TheFinalPush #AllInForCricket @DPWorldUAE @DP_World @ilt20onzee @TheDesertVipers @Dubai_Capitals pic.twitter.com/tRQToG5jNu
Well, the drama didn’t end there, as the Desert Vipers player continued with their tactic to make fun of Naib's famous bicep-flexing celebration during the ILT20 2025 final against the Dubai Capitals. During the Capitals’ chase, Mohammad Amir gave a bold send-off to Gulbadin Naib.
Mohammed Amir bowled a perfect yorker, trapping Gulbadin LBW. After the dismissal, the former Pakistani pacer flexed his biceps, mocking the Afghan all-rounder's famous celebration. However, Naib had the last laugh, as Dubai Capitals crushed Desert Vipers by four wickets to lift their maiden ILT20 title at the packed Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
A PAKISTANI PUT IN HIS PLACE
— Sports Production (@SSpotlight71) February 9, 2025
Gulbadin Naib came out as the winner after Pakistani Amir tried to mess and make fun of him . NEVER MESS WITH AFGHANS pic.twitter.com/zmodGER8Ot
Gulbadin Naib hits back at Sam Curran and Mohammad Amir for mocking his celebration
However, Gulbadin Naib gave a befitting response to Sam Curran and Mohammad Amir for mocking his trademark celebration after Dubai Capitals’ title glory. The Afghanistan all-rounder expressed his disappointment over the incidents, saying cricket is a game built on mutual respect, and if someone wants to be respected, then he must give respect to the others.
Gulbadin was quoted as saying by The Hindustan Times, “I always say it is a gentleman's game. You should respect each other. If you don't show respect, no one will respect you either. He knows how much respect he got by doing this act. As a cricketer, as a human being, you should respect everyone.”
Naib also hailed the Capitals franchise for supporting various sports and valuing players, saying he is really lucky to be part of such a respected team.
The Afghan star added, “The Capitals franchise is a big franchise. They support all sports. Be it cricket, kabaddi, or other sports. They are involved big time in cricket. This franchise respects players; they know the value of sport. I am lucky to be associated with this franchise.”
We look to give 100 percent in each game: Gulbadin Naib on Afghanistan's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 chances
Furthermore, Gulbadin Naib is confident about Afghanistan's chances in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 despite being slotted alongside the tough opponents Australia, England, and South Africa in Group B.
Naib said that Afghanistan players will give their best in every game in the tournament, where they will play their first game against South Africa on February 21.
Gulbadin signed off by saying, “We love this game. We are very passionate about the sport. Our fans, who support us a lot, are there with us in both good and bad times. We look to give 100 percent in each game. If we play good cricket, we will definitely win.”
