Asia Cup 2025: Former India star issues warning to Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan

The Asia Cup 2025 has become more than just a cricket tournament, evolving into a stage for intense emotions and verbal sparring, particularly due to the historic India-Pakistan rivalry. Tensions escalated during the Super Four clash when India’s young openers, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, engaged in a heated exchange with Pakistan’s pace duo, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi.

The confrontation began when Rauf and Afridi attempted to unsettle Sharma and Gill, only for the Indian opener to respond assertively, notably with the bat. Rauf appeared particularly animated, but the Indian players did not shy away from giving it back.

Adding fuel to the controversy, former India cricketer Yograj Singh made a bold statement that has grabbed headlines ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan, scheduled for Sunday, September 28, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Addressing the uproar over the provocative gestures made by Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan during the Super Four match, Yograj Singh issued a stern warning to Pakistan. He declared that he would not tolerate anyone speaking against India, emphasizing his unwavering support for his country. At the same time, he stressed that players on both sides deserve respect, regardless of political tensions, and should conduct themselves accordingly. Yograj also noted that unfair targeting of Pakistani players reflects poorly on the spirit of cricket.

In a recent interaction, Yograj Singh said, “I will always stand by my country. I am a citizen, and I will not tolerate anyone speaking against India. I will cut his head off. But players deserve respect. If our own country doesn’t respect us, how can outsiders?”

Known for his candid remarks, Yuvraj Singh’s father defended the young Indian cricketers, emphasizing that they had remained focused on the game and had not provoked anyone. According to him, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf initiated the abuse, crossing the line and losing respect as athletes.

 “The Indian players were simply playing and did not say anything to anyone. It was Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf who started abusing them. Abhishek and Shubman did nothing wrong. This isn’t about frustration; this is about unacceptable behavior," he added.