Sahibzada Farhan is once again at the center of a global cricket storm. Just weeks after receiving a formal warning from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for mimicking a gun-firing celebration during a high-stakes Asia Cup match against India, the Pakistan batter has reignited outrage by striking the same pose in a promotional photoshoot. The move has drawn sharp criticism from fans, officials, and commentators alike, raising serious questions about sportsmanship and conduct in international cricket.
Table of Contents
- The Incident: What Happened?
- ICC Warning and Previous Sanctions
- Farhan’s Defense: Spontaneity or Strategy?
- Public and Expert Reaction
- What This Means for Pakistan’s Image
- Sources
The Incident: What Happened?
The controversy resurfaced when images from a promotional shoot featuring Sahibzada Farhan began circulating on social media. In one of the shots, Farhan is seen replicating the exact gun-firing gesture that previously landed him in hot water during the Asia Cup 2023. Unlike a spontaneous on-field moment, this pose was clearly staged—part of a curated visual campaign—making the act appear deliberate and defiant.
ICC Warning and Previous Sanctions
Back in September 2023, during Pakistan’s Asia Cup clash with India, both Farhan and fast bowler Haris Rauf were reprimanded by the ICC for making gun-firing gestures after taking wickets or scoring runs. The ICC deemed the celebrations “inappropriate” and a potential breach of its Code of Conduct relating to “personal abuse or offensive language/gestures.” While they escaped formal fines, both players received official warnings and were reminded of their responsibilities as global ambassadors of the sport.
Timeline of the Controversy
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sept 2023 | Gun-firing gestures during Asia Cup vs India |
| Sept 2023 | ICC issues formal warnings to Farhan & Rauf |
| Oct 2025 | Farhan repeats gesture in promotional photoshoot |
Farhan’s Defense: Spontaneity or Strategy?
In past interviews, Sahibzada Farhan has defended his on-field celebrations as “spontaneous expressions of aggression” and part of his competitive mindset. “When you’re in the zone, emotions take over,” he once said. But critics argue that recreating the same gesture in a photoshoot—weeks after an ICC warning—shows a lack of remorse and poor judgment. It’s no longer about passion; it’s perceived as a calculated provocation.
Public and Expert Reaction
Cricket fans across India, Pakistan, and beyond have expressed disappointment. Many see the act as disrespectful, especially given the sensitive geopolitical context between the two nations. Former players and analysts have also weighed in. “Cricket is a gentleman’s game, even in its modern, aggressive avatar,” said one ex-international commentator. “There’s a fine line between intensity and insensitivity—and this crosses it.”
What This Means for Pakistan’s Image
For the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this is more than just a player’s misstep—it’s a reputational risk. At a time when the ICC is pushing for greater inclusivity and positive messaging in the sport, such incidents can undermine Pakistan’s standing in global cricket diplomacy. If the ICC chooses to escalate the matter, Farhan could face fines, suspension points, or even exclusion from upcoming tournaments.