Sahibzada Farhan Targets MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli As He Defends 'Gun Celebration' Against India In ICC Hearing

Pakistan batsman Sahibzada Farhan has defended his on-field celebration during the Super 4s match against India in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

The right-handed batsman celebrated his fifty against India with a 'gun celebration'. After reaching the milestone, Sahibzada Farhan raised his bat like a gun, holding it across his body as if aiming or firing a shot.

Sahibzada Farhan faced severe criticism

He faced severe criticism from all around for his provocative gesture, with many drawing parallels with the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year that left more than 25 civilians dead.

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Speaking at the end of the match, Sahibzada Farhan had defended his action, saying: "That celebration was just a spur of the moment. I rarely celebrate when I get to fifty. But when I got there I suddenly got the idea of celebrating, and so I did without knowing or caring how people would interpret it. We should play aggressive cricket against any team, not just India, the way we played today."

Sahibzada Farhan on his 'gun celebration':

Following the incident, the BCCI lodged an official complaint with the ICC against Sahibzada Farhan. The ICC hearing took place in Dubai on Friday (September 26) and the Pakistan opener defended his action by saying that it was not politically motivated.

According to a report in India Today, Sahibzada Farhan cited past examples, noting that former Indian captains MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli had done similar celebrations on the field. He also said that, as a Pathan, such gestures are part of cultural expressions in his region and are commonly seen during joyous occasions.

BCCI also lodged a complaint against Haris Rauf

The BCCI had also lodged a complaint against Haris Rauf for his objectionable actions during the match. Meanwhile, India captain Suryakumar Yadav has pleaded not guilty in the ICC hearing after the PCB lodged a complaint against him for his comments after the group stage match earlier this month.

India and Pakistan have already played two matches in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 and will face each other for the third time in the final on Sunday. India won the first meeting by seven wickets before clinching the second meeting by six wickets. The Men in Blue will start the game as firm favourites.

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