Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has sparked a wave of reactions in Pakistan after his harsh remarks against Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf following the high-voltage Super Fours clash between Pakistan and India at the Asia Cup.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan accused the Pakistani players of “crossing the line” with their celebrations. “What happened yesterday, the gestures that were made in celebration by Farhan. You know what is going on between the two countries and you are [still] celebrating on the field [like this].”
“I used to think Haris Rauf is a better guy but his actions yesterday on the field were not necessary,” he said in reference to the Pakistani pacer gesturing “6-0” and “Rafales crashing” at jeering Indian fans, also criticising Farhan’s gunshot-style celebration.
“You are playing cricket on the field, whether you win or you lose, it happens but when you go on a personal level, that is taking it too far. This is not right,” he said, conveniently ignoring the political statements made by Indian players during last week’s Sept 14 clash between the two countries.
The comments, however, did not sit well with many in Pakistan as fans defended the players and pointed out India’s own lack of sportsmanship in recent encounters. “First Indian players refused a handshake in the first match, now Pathan is lecturing us on sportsmanship? That’s hypocrisy,” wrote one.
They also defended Haris Rauf as one remarked that Indian fans kept chanting “Kohli, Kohli” to provoke him. “But 6-0 is permanent ,” wrote a netizen.
Someone else commented that Pakistan’s message was clear, “If you bring politics into the game, the reply will also be political. Got it?”
Another fan pointed out how everything started with Indian players refusing handshakes in the first match, writing, “No handshake means war for our blood.”
Another mocked Pathan by saying, “Irfan Pathan khud ko Indian sabit karty howy.” One user said ex-players like Pathan don’t care at all and only use situations to their advantage. Another dismissed his rant with, “Feel KR tu BS .”
The Pakistan-India rivalry has only grown more intense after recent military clashes in May. On the cricket field, tempers flared in the second match as players from both sides exchanged heated words.
India may have won Sunday’s contest by chasing down Pakistan’s 172-run target with ease, but for many Pakistani fans, the fight shown by Farhan and Rauf reflected the spirit of the team.