Asia Cup 2025: BJP hits back at Haris Rauf’s fighter-jet celebration

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The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash in Dubai was not only defined by India’s six-wicket win but also by a controversy involving Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf.

After being taunted with “Kohli, Kohli” chants – recalling Virat Kohli’s famous sixes off him in the 2022 T20 World Cup – Rauf first cupped his ear before making a provocative fighter-jet and “6-0” gesture. The act mimicked a crashing plane and was widely interpreted as a nod to Pakistan’s disputed propaganda claim of downing six Indian jets in a past military confrontation.

The celebration went viral within minutes, drawing sharp criticism from Indian fans who called it unsportsmanlike and an unnecessary reminder of political tensions between the two nations.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wasted no time in responding. Its official X handle posted a video montage trolling Rauf’s act and Pakistan’s narrative. The clip opened with footage of Rauf’s gesture and then cut to visuals of an Indian missile strike on Pakistani territory, sending a strong message of military superiority.

The video carried the caption: “Rauf showed what he saw. What is he trying to show? Oh, this…” before ending with the punchline, “Directed by Indian Armed Forces.”

The post struck a chord with Indian fans, quickly going viral across platforms. Thousands shared and amplified it, praising the BJP’s patriotic counter-response and turning Rauf’s gesture into a trending talking point online.

Haris Rauf showed what he saw! 🚀 🎯

— BJP (@BJP4India) September 22, 2025

Also READ: Asia Cup 2025 – “If you mess with us…”: Irfan Pathan slams Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for their provoking antics vs India

Amid the off-field drama, the Indian cricket team ensured their performance did the talking. Abhishek Sharma played a match-winning knock of 74 off just 39 balls, launching India’s chase with a towering six off Shaheen Afridi’s first delivery. His fearless innings, combined with a strong opening partnership alongside Shubman Gill, ensured India comfortably chased Pakistan’s target of 172 with seven balls to spare.

Abhishek’s innings earned him the Player of the Match award, with fans and teammates hailing him as the star of the contest. Pakistan’s Haris Rauf, despite picking up two wickets, found his performance overshadowed by the backlash surrounding his celebratory gesture.

Also READ: Asia Cup 2025 – “That’s why I went after them”: Abhishek Sharma reveals the truth behind his heated exchange with Haris Rauf during IND vs PAK clash