Pakistan’s opening batter, Sahibzada Farhan, avoided his controversial AK-47 gun shot celebration that outraged fans and drew severe criticism in the cricketing world.
Unlike the Super Four match against India, the right-handed batter opted for a calm gesture to celebrate his fifth T20I fifty in the Asia Cup 2025 final on September 28 (Sunday).
Farhan reached his half-century in just 35 balls against India. He maintained a solid 84-run opening partnership with Fakhar Zaman at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Breakthrough for India After Sahibzada’s Dismissal
Sahibzada Farhan’s aggression with the bat gave Pakistan a rousing start, leaving India’s bowling attack ineffective in a high-pressure final clash.
The young Pakistani opener attempted a pull shot against Varun Chakravarthy’s off-spin delivery. Kudos to Tilak Varma, who took a reverse cup catch by bending down his knees safely.
Farhan departed in the fourth ball of the 10th over, having scored 57 runs off 38 deliveries (4s: 5, 6s: 3, strike rate: 150.00).
Pakistani Opener Refrained From Rifle Celebration?
Latest reports reveal that the International Cricket Council (ICC) warned Sahibzada Farhan after his controversial gunshot celebration against India in the Super Four fixture.
After reaching his fifty in the final, the Pakistani batter was about to raise his bat like a rifle. But keeping in mind the formal warning received by ICC, Farhan opted for a modest celebration by raising his bat with a wise smile.
Ahead of the grand summit clash, the global governing body, headed by Jay Shah, silently conducted a disciplinary hearing under the supervision of the match referee.
So, it is understood that the complaint filed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) against Farhan has been considered by their former secretary and current ICC chairman.
Farhan’s Rage After His Dismissal in the 10th Over
Sahibzada’s frustration was clearly evident after his dismissal. Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy ended his on-field presence in the crucial moment of the game.
Before walking towards the dugout, Farhan smashed his bat in anger, knowing he had to contribute more for his team on a night that demanded a high-scoring knock.
Despite a promising start from the young opener (57 runs) along with Fakhar Zaman’s 35-ball 46 runs (4s: 2, 6s: 2, strike rate: 131.43), Pakistan’s innings collapsed to 146 in 19.1 overs.
