The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan turned fiery not only for its on-field drama but also for a celebratory gesture that sparked a political response.
Bumrah’s ‘Jet Crash’ Celebration
In the 18th over, Indian pace star Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Pakistan’s Haris Rauf with a stunning yorker that crashed into the off stump.
Bumrah celebrated the wicket with a ‘fighter jet’ send-off, spreading his arms like wings.
The move was seen as a direct response to Rauf’s controversial celebration earlier in the tournament.
Kiren Rijiju’s Reaction
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju praised Bumrah’s gesture on X (formerly Twitter), posting an image of the celebration.
“Pakistan deserves this punishment,” Rijiju wrote.
His comment quickly gained traction, with fans linking the gesture to ongoing political tensions between the two nations.
The Backstory: Rauf’s Controversial Gesture
During the September 21 Super Four clash, Haris Rauf made the same ‘jet crash’ gesture.
Rauf was fined 30% of his match fee by the match officials.
He repeated the act after dismissing Sanju Samson and even showed ‘6-0’ hand gestures toward Indian fans — interpreted by many as a reference to Pakistan’s claims of downing Indian jets in past conflicts.
Trophy Drama in the Final
Adding to the tension, the Indian team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy and medals during the presentation ceremony.
- Broadcaster Simon Doull announced that the players would not take the trophy.
- Reports suggest the decision was due to ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s insistence on personally handing it over.
- BJP’s Amit Malviya posted on X, stating: “We not only slammed Pakistan on the field but also put Naqvi in his place, a chief propagandist for the terror state that Pakistan is.”
Despite the drama, Indian players later celebrated their victory without the official trophy.
India–Pakistan Relations on and off the Field
Throughout the tournament, Indian players were seen avoiding handshakes and exchanges with their Pakistani counterparts — underlining how political tensions continue to spill onto the cricket field.
