The India–Pakistan cricket rivalry has never been just about bat and ball. It’s an emotional saga, where every run feels like a triumph and every wicket sparks an eruption. But as much as the cricketing brilliance shines through, the rivalry is equally remembered for its fiery moments, aggressive gestures, and controversial celebrations.
The ongoing Asia Cup 2025 has only turned up the heat further. With political tensions looming large in the background, even a simple on-field celebration can become a headline. From Haris Rauf’s “6-0” hand signal to Sahibzada Farhan’s gun-shot mimic, the drama has spilled beyond boundaries.
Let’s take a look back at some of the most talked-about and controversial celebrations that have defined India–Pakistan clashes.
Haris Rauf’s “6-0” Gesture
In one of the flashpoints of Asia Cup 2025, Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf responded to taunts of “Kohli, Kohli” chants from Indian fans by flashing a “6-0” hand gesture near the boundary ropes in Dubai.
The signal was widely interpreted as a political dig, alluding to Pakistan’s claim of shooting down six Indian jets during the post-Operation Sindoor tensions earlier this year. As the video went viral, outrage followed. Critics slammed Rauf for dragging political sentiment into cricket, while his wife added fuel by posting the gesture on Instagram with the caption: “Lost the match but won the battle.”
Sahibzada Farhan’s Gun-Shot Celebration
If Rauf’s gesture wasn’t enough, opener Sahibzada Farhan took center stage with an equally controversial act. After bringing up his maiden T20I fifty against India, he mimicked a gun salute with his bat — a move many fans likened to firing an AK-47.
The celebration instantly split opinion. Supporters hailed it as “fearless expression,” while critics condemned it as insensitive, given the volatile political backdrop. Farhan himself shrugged off the debate, saying: “I don’t care… I celebrated the way I wanted to.”
Abrar Ahmed’s Head-Tilt Antics
Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed has often made headlines with his trademark head-tilt celebration. But when he dismissed India’s Shubman Gill in the 2025 Champions Trophy, the tilt came with a pointed gesture toward the pavilion. Fans viewed it as an aggressive send-off disguised as style, igniting another social media debate.
Hardik Pandya’s ‘Bye-Bye’ to Babar Azam
The rivalry isn’t short of Indian contributions either. In a Champions Trophy clash earlier this year, Hardik Pandya was smacked to the boundary by Pakistan skipper Babar Azam. But when Pandya returned the favor by dismissing Babar the very next ball, he couldn’t resist waving him off with a cheeky “bye-bye.” The moment went viral and is still replayed with equal parts delight and disdain, depending on which side you support.
Venkatesh Prasad vs Aamir Sohail — The Original Firestarter
Long before social media amplified every gesture, one incident defined the aggression of IND-PAK clashes. In the 1996 World Cup, Aamir Sohail smashed Venkatesh Prasad to the fence, pointed his bat, and dared him to bowl there again. Prasad cleaned him up the very next ball. The drama of that exchange still lives on as one of the defining moments in cricket’s fiercest rivalry.
The Thin Line Between Passion and Provocation
From Rauf’s politically charged “6-0” gesture to Farhan’s fiery gun-shot mimic, celebrations in India–Pakistan matches often walk a fine line. They’re an outlet for passion, but more often than not, they spark debates about sportsmanship and sensitivity.
One thing is certain: these controversies, like the matches themselves, will be remembered long after the scores are forgotten. In a rivalry where emotions often spill over, the celebrations are as much a part of the drama as the cricket itself.
