WATCH: Asia Cup 2025, Final: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf 'disrespect' India’s national anthem, picture goes viral

Published - 29 Sept 2025, 10:08 IST | Updated - 29 Sept 2025, 10:23 IST

The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium witnessed a controversy before a ball was even bowled. Pakistan’s star fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf were caught on camera talking casually during India’s national anthem, an act that many fans on social media labelled as disrespectful.

As is tradition, both teams lined up for the national anthems before the clash. While Indian players stood still and respectfully observed Pakistan’s anthem first, Afridi and Rauf were seen chatting as India’s anthem was played. The gesture, widely televised and clipped on social platforms, immediately triggered backlash from fans.

Afridi, Haris Rauf 'disrespect' India's national anthem at Asia Cup Final https://t.co/NoHSTCyqiH

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This was not the first controversy of the tournament involving Pakistani players. Earlier in the Super Four game between the two teams, Sahibzada Farhan’s gunfire-style celebration and Rauf’s provocative gestures toward Indian fans had led to complaints filed by the BCCI. Rauf was even fined by the ICC for his behaviour.