The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan was not just a battle for continental supremacy but also a contest marred by controversies that spilled over into the sporting arena. On Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistani fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf courted criticism after being caught on camera talking during India’s national anthem, an act widely viewed as disrespectful.

The incident quickly spread across social media, triggering outrage among Indian fans and adding to the already tense atmosphere of the historic final.

Anthem controversy goes viral

As both teams lined up for the national anthems before the toss, cameras captured Afridi and Rauf engaged in conversation during India’s anthem. Fans and commentators labelled the moment as insensitive, especially given the gravity of an India–Pakistan clash. Calls for disciplinary action soon followed, though no immediate sanction was announced.

This development only added to the friction between the two sides, where symbolism and gestures carried as much weight as runs and wickets.

Suryakumar’s ‘no handshake’ stance

Before the match had even begun, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav made headlines by refusing a handshake with former Pakistan skipper Waqar Younis at the toss ceremony. The deliberate gesture mirrored his stance throughout the tournament, where he had avoided pre-match formalities with Pakistani officials, underscoring the political tensions shaping the series.

India won the toss and opted to bowl first, but off-field narratives continued to dominate the spotlight.

Super Four flashpoints resurface

The final’s controversies followed a series of provocative incidents during the Super Four stage. Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan had celebrated his half-century with a mock gun-fire gesture, drawing criticism for insensitivity. Haris Rauf, too, came under fire after dismissing Sanju Samson, when he responded to jeers from Indian fans by gesturing “0-6”.

The signal referenced Pakistan’s unverified claim of downing six Indian jets during border tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor in May. Such gestures only inflamed the already charged rivalry.

ICC sanctions after BCCI complaint

Following the Super Four provocations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lodged a complaint against Farhan and Rauf. The International Cricket Council (ICC) responded by fining Rauf 30 percent of his match fee for using abusive language, while Farhan escaped with an official warning.

Despite sanctions, Rauf continued with provocative actions in the final, with reports suggesting he repeated his “plane crash” gesture during the game. Social media buzzed with criticism, with Indian fans trolling him and chanting Virat Kohli’s name — a reminder of Kohli’s unforgettable sixes against him in the 2022 T20 World Cup.

A historic but fiery final

The Asia Cup 2025 final was the first in the tournament’s 41-year history to feature an India–Pakistan clash for the title. On the field, India went on to beat Pakistan by five wickets, securing their ninth Asia Cup crown. Yet, the match is likely to be remembered as much for the controversies and symbolic gestures as for the cricket itself.

Conclusion

The anthem row and provocative celebrations highlighted the volatile nature of the India–Pakistan rivalry, where off-field tensions often echo onto the pitch. While India emerged champions, the charged atmosphere of the final raised questions about sportsmanship and the role of governing bodies in ensuring discipline during such high-profile encounters.