ind vs pak: India lifted the Asia Cup 2025 trophy after defeating Pakistan by 27 runs, but the night’s most talked-about moment came when Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Haris Rauf and marked it with a striking “plane” celebration.
The fiery gesture—mirroring one Rauf had performed earlier in the tournament—quickly went viral and added fresh tension to the already intense IND vs PAK rivalry.
Bumrah’s Viral Celebration
Bowling the 18th over of Pakistan’s chase at the Dubai International Stadium, Bumrah delivered a pinpoint yorker that uprooted Rauf’s off stump. As the stumps lit up, the Indian pacer extended his arms like airplane wings before walking back to his mark. Television cameras captured the act from multiple angles, and within minutes the clip dominated sports news feeds worldwide.
Why the Gesture Mattered
The celebration referenced an incident from the Super Fours stage, when Rauf—fielding near the boundary—was filmed mimicking a crashing plane. Many fans interpreted that move as a nod to recent military tensions between India and Pakistan.
Bumrah’s choice to echo the motion reignited debate over on-field decorum. Former India opener Gautam Gambhir said on a live broadcast, “Rivalry is fine, but political gestures have no place in cricket.”
High-Pressure Final
India, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, posted a challenging total built on disciplined batting and late-innings hitting from Abhishek Sharma. Pakistan started the chase steadily but lost momentum once Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj tightened the screws in the middle overs.
Rauf briefly counterattacked with a boundary earlier in the same over, but Bumrah’s next delivery ended his stay at six runs. Pakistan folded for 161, giving India a comfortable 27-run victory and their eighth Asia Cup title.
Tournament Tensions
This year’s tournament had already seen flashpoints. After India’s group-stage win, the team declined post-match handshakes, prompting Pakistan to file an official complaint with the ICC and hint at a boycott.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha skipped a scheduled pre-match press conference before the Super Fours clash, while Rauf exchanged heated words with Abhishek Sharma in that same game. Each episode reflected how the fierce cricket rivalry mirrors broader political strains.
View this post on Instagram
Social Media and Official Response
Hashtags such as #INDvsPAK, #Bumrah, and #PlaneCelebration trended across X (formerly Twitter) within minutes. Indian fans praised the “perfect reply,” while several commentators labeled it unsportsmanlike.
The Asian Cricket Council confirmed that match officials will review footage before deciding on any action. An ICC spokesperson said the referee’s report is expected within 48 hours.
Player Reactions
Neither Bumrah nor Rauf addressed the celebration directly after the match. Suryakumar Yadav congratulated his side for “keeping composure in a charged atmosphere,” but avoided questions on the gesture. Pakistan coach Grant Bradburn expressed mild frustration, saying, “World-class players must keep emotions in check, even in an India vs Pakistan final.”
Significance for Fans and Cricket
The IND vs PAK showdown remains the sport’s biggest draw. Tickets sold out weeks earlier, and broadcasters reported record viewership across South Asia and the Middle East.
For India, the win builds momentum heading into next year’s World T20. Pakistan faces tactical questions about its middle order and, after repeated controversies, possible scrutiny over player conduct.
The Rivalry Continues
Despite the heated exchanges, the final highlighted elite cricket: Bumrah’s accuracy, Pakistan’s fighting spirit, and a stadium buzzing with anticipation.
As fans digest India’s triumph and the gesture that stole headlines, the message is clear—whenever IND vs PAK meets on a cricket field, drama is guaranteed.
Also Read | Australian Man Says “Social Media” Misjudged India, Viral Video Proves Why
Quirk Report delivers today’s top stories, latest news, and breaking updates on India, world affairs, business, sports, and entertainment.
