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| Kasab reborn on cricket pitch: Farhan’s gun gesture sparks anger, debate | | |  Atul Sharma
Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 22: Pakistani cricketer Sahibzada Farhan has landed himself in the middle of a storm after mimicking an AK-47 with his bat during Sunday’s high-voltage clash against India.
The gesture, made in front of thousands at the stadium and millions watching worldwide, has ignited outrage, with many calling it a shocking display of insensitivity and poor sportsmanship.
Videos of the incident quickly went viral on social media, drawing condemnation from across India and beyond. Viewers compared Farhan’s celebratory action to the notorious image of Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist captured alive during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Others linked the act to the recent terror strike in Pahalgam, accusing the cricketer of glorifying violence and indirectly endorsing extremist narratives.
Cricket, often called a “gentleman’s game,” has historically been celebrated for bringing nations together. But Farhan’s gesture has once again blurred the line between sport and politics. Analysts argue that this act was not just a thoughtless celebration but a reflection of deeper currents in Pakistani society.
“From military generals to cinema, classrooms, and even sports, radical symbolism has been woven into Pakistan’s cultural psyche over decades,” said a senior political commentator. “When a cricketer chooses to imitate an assault rifle on the field, it signals how normalized the imagery of violence has become.”
The controversy comes against the backdrop of Pakistan’s long association with militant symbolism. From slogans at rallies to gestures by celebrities, references to guns and militancy have often been valorized, critics say, shaping public consciousness in ways that extend far beyond the cricket pitch.
The incident has prompted demands for accountability from cricketing authorities. Several fans have urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to step in, arguing that cricket should not be reduced to a platform for promoting violent imagery.
“This is not about rivalry between India and Pakistan; it is about keeping sports clean and free from toxic symbolism,” one fan wrote online. “When players use the field for such gestures, it sends the wrong message to young viewers who idolize them.”
So far, neither the PCB nor Farhan has issued an official statement, but pressure is mounting for a clarification. Observers note that silence on the issue could be interpreted as tacit approval, further damaging Pakistan’s image in the international sporting community.
The controversy has also reignited the debate over whether diplomacy and dialogue can bring meaningful transformation in Pakistan’s approach to violence and extremism. Critics argue that incidents like this underscore how militarization has seeped into everyday life, shaping the identity of the nation itself.
“Expecting transformation through dialogue is naïve,” one commentator remarked bluntly. “Diplomacy works with civilized states, but Pakistan has repeatedly shown that violence remains a tool of politics and culture.”
For many, Farhan’s gesture may seem trivial at first glance — an impulsive celebration. Yet, its timing, symbolism, and cultural undertones have turned it into a flashpoint, reminding audiences that cricket, especially between India and Pakistan, is never just about the game. |
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