Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi supports Haris Rauf's controversial gestures against India: 'Everyone has the right to express'

Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan faced criticism for their on-field gestures during the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match against India last Sunday.

The controversy extended beyond the cricket field as their actions drew strong reactions on social media platforms, with cricket pundits and fans expressing disapproval of their behaviour.

Shaheen Afridi addressed the media ahead of Pakistan's final Super 4 match against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, responding to questions about his teammates' conduct.

"Look, our job is to play cricket. Honestly, everyone has the right to express the way they want to," Shaheen told reporters ahead of the game against Bangladesh.




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Afridi maintained a neutral stance on the incident while emphasising the team's focus on cricket.

"Everyone has their own respect. Everyone thinks the way they think. But our job is to play cricket. And we have come to win the tri-nation Series. We have come to win the Asia Cup. And we, God willing, as a team, are doing our best," he added.

Pakistan has experienced two consecutive losses against India in the ongoing Asia Cup. There remains a possibility of another encounter between the two teams in the tournament final scheduled for September 28.

While the finalists are yet to be determined, Afridi expressed optimism about his team's prospects in a potential final against India.

"They have not reached the final yet. We will see when they reach the final. We have come here to win the final and win the Asia Cup. We are ready for any team that comes. We will defeat them."

Afridi acknowledged Pakistan's struggles against major cricket nations but emphasised their determination to improve their record.

"Yes, we haven't won against big teams. You can say that we have grown in the rankings. But when you play against big teams, you win. The teams that are coming now, we are competing against them," he added.

The left-arm fast bowler's comments come at a crucial time in the tournament as teams vie for a spot in the final.

Both India and Pakistan have demonstrated strong performances throughout the Asia Cup, setting up the possibility of another high-stakes encounter in the final.

The tournament continues to generate significant interest among cricket fans across the region, with the potential final match drawing particular attention.

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