Shahid Afridi accuses India of 'spreading hate'; calls ICC for action over Asia Cup 2025 drama

The tension between India and Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 has now turned into a full-blown controversy, and Shahid Afridi never misses a single chance to add fuel to the fire. Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan, Shahid Afridi put all the blame for the whole drama on the BCCI, accusing them of poor sportsmanship and demanding strict actions from the ICC.

It all started with the heated drama on September 14, when the Indian players refused to shake hands with the Pakistan team after their seven-wicket win in the group match in Dubai. India’s stand was reportedly a silent protest against the Pahalgam terror attack.

Shahid Afridi blames BCCI for Asia Cup 2025 drama, demands ICC action

After which, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged an official complaint with the ICC and even threatened to skip their next match against the UAE. That game eventually went ahead but started an hour late after the ICC dismissed the PCB’s claims, especially against Andy Pycroft.

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Things got uglier in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours clash between the arch rivals on September 21 in Dubai. Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his fifty with a controversial gun-firing gesture, and pacer Haris Rauf mocked the Indian crowd with a “fighter jet down” and a “6-0” gesture, linking to Pakistan’s unverified claims about crashing the six Indian aircraft.

Well, the BCCI wasted no time in filing an official complaint against both Pakistani players, Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf, and the ICC has called for a hearing on September 26.

ICC should not become the Indian Cricket Council: Shahid Afridi

With the Asia Cup 2025 final just around the corner, Shahid Afridi has added more fuel to the already raging fire by saying that the Indian players are spreading hate amongst people and urged the ICC to take strong action against them and the BCCI.

Shahid Afridi said on Samaa TV, “I think ICC should come up with a strict reaction against India. This is wrong. ICC's role in the matter is very important; ICC should not become the Indian Cricket Council; it should act like the International Cricket Council. Whether it's Haris Rauf making gestures or anyone else, sportsmanship is important on the ground.”

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

Shahid Afridi slams Suryakumar Yadav for spreading hate with Pahalgam tribute

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was next on the former Pakistan captain’s target. He has criticized Suryakumar for his remarks after the league match on September 14. He had dedicated India’s victory to the Indian armed forces and the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year.

His words won hearts back home but didn’t sit well across the border. Afridi, known for his outspoken nature, has stressed that Suryakumar’s message went beyond cricket and accused him of using the platform to fuel division instead of promoting peace.

Afridi signed off by saying, “During the game, or after the game, or during presentations, you are spreading hate amongst people. You are the peace ambassadors; you're athletes. You should send positive messages to the world about peace and love.”

Read Also: Mohammad Kaif reacts to Jasprit Bumrah shutting him on Twitter