Asia Cup 2025: Pakistani actress labels Indian cricketers ‘Cheaters’, questions Spirit of the Game

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The ever-fiery rivalry between India and Pakistan reached another dramatic juncture off the field after well-known Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane lashed out at the Indian cricket team following the Super 4 clash in the Asia Cup 2025. Hocane, a prominent figure in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, took to social media in the aftermath of a tense contest to accuse Indian players of cheating and playing without the spirit of the game, causing a storm across online cricket communities.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Hocane praised the Pakistan cricket team’s efforts before sharply criticizing the Indian side. “Truly well played #PakistanCricketTeam! #Fakhar was obviously not out & #Sahibzada was enough to put these cheaters to rest! And clearly they play without the spirit of the game!” her now-viral post read. The tweet came shortly after Fakhar Zaman’s controversial dismissal and a heated end to another India-Pakistan contest in Dubai.

She also congratulated Pakistani opener Sahibzada Farhan for his performance and emphasized her disappointment with what she saw as questionable sportsmanship by Indian players. The inclusion of terms like “cheaters” and references to “spirit of the game” fanned the flames of the internet rivalry, with her comments quickly racking up support as well as backlash online.

The backdrop to Hocane’s outburst was a string of on-field incidents as well as officiating controversies. Fakhar Zaman’s close call, which many Pakistani fans – including Hocane – felt was a wrongful decision, became a major trigger point. Frustrations were further inflamed by a series of gestures and face-offs between players during the match, notably instances where Pakistani players responded to crowd taunts and tensions ran high after run-out appeals and on-field sledging.

Also WATCH: Sanju Samson’s stunning low catch ends Fakhar Zaman’s stay in IND vs PAK Super 4 clash

Hocane is not the first Pakistani celebrity to wade into Indo-Pak cricket controversies, having previously been vocal about cricketing politics and matters related to the Asia Cup’s venues and scheduling. Her latest comments, however, represent one of the more direct public accusations toward the Indian team, sparking intense debates between Indian and Pakistani fans on social platforms. While many Pakistani supporters echoed her criticism and questioned the umpiring, Indian fans were quick to defend their team and point to Pakistan’s own on-field antics.

After facing a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Team India, Salman Aghan’s men will now face Sri Lanka in the do-or-die encounter on Tuesday, September 24.

Also READ: “I don’t know how people…”: Sahibzada Farhan on his gun celebration during IND vs PAK clash | Asia Super 2025