Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has reportedly defended his controversial “gun-fire” celebration against India in the Asia Cup 2025, telling the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it was both a tribal tradition and a gesture previously seen from Indian stars MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.

Farhan, who scored a half-century in the super four clash that Pakistan lost by six wickets, mimicked firing a gun toward his teammates in the dressing room. The act sparked outrage in India, with critics linking it to the April terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lodged a complaint with the ICC, calling the celebration provocative and insensitive.

According to reports, Farhan argued during his ICC hearing that the gesture was part of Pakhtun cultural tradition and not intended to cause offense. He also cited past on-field celebrations of Dhoni and Kohli to support his case, though critics dismissed the comparison as “bizarre.”

The incident has added to the charged atmosphere surrounding Indo-Pak clashes, with players from both sides facing scrutiny. Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav was also called before the ICC after dedicating a win to the Pahalgam attack victims.

The ICC has yet to announce a ruling on Farhan’s case, but he could face a fine or official warning. (Newswire)

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