The Asia Cup 2025 has been played amidst many off-field controversies involving India and Pakistan. The rivalry has once again spilled beyond the boundaries. Now, former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi has lashed out at the BCCI following the off-field drama.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
Afridi has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take action against the BCCI for the lack of sportsmanship during the tournament.
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup controvery
The drama unfolded when Team India refused to shake hands with Pakistan after winning a league game on September 14. This came as India's stand against the terror attack and a war-like situation involving the two nations earlier this year.
A series of events followed India's refusal, as PCB lodged a complaint and threatened to pull out of their game against the UAE. Eventually, all the board's claims were rejected while the match began after an hour's delay.
The incident further escalated during the two sides' Super Fours clash when two Pakistan players were seen making insensitive gestures on the field.
Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his half-century with a gun-fire celebration, while Hari Rauf engaged with the crowd with a 'fighter jet down' and '6-0' gesture. The BCCI has lodged an official complaint against the two players, and a hearing is to follow very soon.
Why did Shahid Afridi say India players are spreading hate?
Amidst all that is going on, Shahid Afridi has shared his perspective. He believes that strict actions should be taken against the Indian players and the BCCI.
"I think ICC should come up with a strict reaction against India," Afridi mentioned on Samaa TV. 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."
While Pakistan has called to keep politics out of sport, their players and even former cricketers and officials have violated their own statements. Several Pakistani players and former cricketers have retaliated to India's refusal and have come up with vague and insensitive gestures and statements.
Afridi also took an indirect dig at the India skipper for his reactions post the game. Surya dedicated the win to the Indian armed forces and the victims of Pahalgam in the post-match presentation.
"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."
The off-field drama has intensified the already spiced-up finals between the two nations. While India remains unbeaten in this tournament, Pakistan has lost two games, both against the Men in Blue.
Fans are surely in for a lip-smacking contest when the two sides face each other in the Grand Finale on Sunday, September 28, to take home the ultimate Asian Glory.
RELATED LINKS:
- Who will win the Asia Cup 2025? Latest odds, favourites
- Asia Cup 2025: TV channel, online live stream, and how to watch the T20 tournament from India
- How to bet online on cricket in India and the most trusted sites
- All the latest cricket news
- 2025 Asia Cup schedule, fixtures, match times, latest results, and points table
- Asia Cup 2025 highest wicket-takers: Top 5 bowlers with most wickets in the T20 tournament in the UAE
- Asia Cup 2025 highest run scorers: Top 5 batters with the most runs in the T20 tournament in the UAE