Amidst the disappointment of a crushing defeat in the Asia Cup final, one Pakistani cricketer is garnering unexpected acclaim: Sahibzada Farhan. Despite his team falling short against arch-rivals India, Farhan’s fearless batting has earned him widespread commendation and celebration across Pakistan.
The 28-year-old first captured headlines during the Super Four stage in Dubai. He spectacularly reached his half-century by powerfully dispatching a short delivery from Axar Patel over midwicket for a six, famously following it up with a ‘gun gesture’ miming an AK-47. This audacious display electrified the stadium and quickly became a talking point across social media.
Farhan carried this aggressive form into the final match itself. He made history by becoming the first batter in T20Is to hit three sixes off India’s premier pace bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. His impressive knock of 57 runs off just 34 balls, including an 84-run opening stand with Fakhar Zaman, showcased his exceptional talent. However, Pakistan struggled to capitalize on this strong start, dramatically losing their last nine wickets for only 33 runs, with India’s Kuldeep Yadav dismantling the batting lineup to take 4-30. The team was ultimately bowled out for a meager 146.
India’s chase began with some early setbacks, losing three quick wickets. However, the young talent Tilak Varma stepped up to the occasion, hitting a decisive six in the penultimate over to secure a thrilling five-wicket victory for India. Varma remained unbeaten on a brilliant 69, supported by Shivam Dube’s 33 runs, ensuring India lifted the Asia Cup trophy, maintaining their unbeaten streak throughout the tournament.
Beyond the boundaries, the tournament witnessed a peculiar controversy involving Pakistan’s Interior Minister and PCB chief, Mohsin Naqvi. During the trophy handover ceremony, Indian players reportedly declined to accept the trophy from him, a move widely interpreted as a political snub. Naqvi, in an unexpected response, retained the trophy, later stating that India was welcome to collect it from the Asia Cricket Council (ACC) headquarters.
Adding another layer to this saga, a report in The Independent indicates that Mohsin Naqvi is now set to receive the prestigious Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Excellence Gold Medal. Organizers have cited his “principled and courageous stance,” which they claim “restored national pride,” as the reason for this honor. A formal ceremony for the award is planned in Karachi, with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari invited as the chief guest.