The high-voltage clash between Afghanistan and Pakistan in the Asia Cup has landed Pakistani cricketer Asif Ali in controversy. The clash between the rivals turned out to be a real nail-biter in the chase. Although the target of 130 set by Afghanistan seemed pretty easy to achieve at first. However, efforts by Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi almost caused Pakistan to lose the match. The duo along with Farid Ahmad brought Pakistan to 119 for 9 wickets. As the match went to the wire, the pressure in the match went palpable.
And in the pressure situation, Pakistan’s Asif Ali lost his cool engaging in a disgraceful gesture towards his opponent. Asif Ali was batting in the penultimate over and hit a six on the fourth delivery by bowler Farid Ahmad. However, the tables turned on the very next delivery when Ali handed a catch to Karim Janat on the short fine leg. Malik celebrated the wicket by getting extremely close to Ali with a cold stare and a fist pump.
The celebration, no matter not physical in any way didn’t sit right with Ali. An agitated Ali then went on to physically push Farid back even intending to punch him on the pitch. Not even stopping there, Ali motioned his bat to hit the bowler before the respective team members and umpires intervened between the two.
Netizens want Asif Ali banned from Asia Cup
This is stupidity at extreme level by Asif Ali and should be ban from the rest of the tournament, any bowler has the right to celebrate but being physical is not acceptable at all. @icc @ACCMedia1 pic.twitter.com/3ledpmM3mt
— Gulbadin Naib (@GbNaib) September 7, 2022
Ali since then has received massive criticism for his action from fraternity members and fans alike. Many have called for Asif’s suspension from the “gentlemen’s game”. Many prompted that though Malik’s celebration was irksome, Ali’s physical retaliation was totally uncalled for.
We will never forget this act of Asif Ali. Asif Ali has violated the cricket rules and he always does it. No one takes action against him. We appeal to the @ICC to expel Asif Ali from cricket.A ban should be imposed so that the other player gets a lesson۔۔#BanAsifAli #AFGvsPAK pic.twitter.com/5cEQ1qVfFE
— Sultan WaXir (@ENGRSultanMehm1) September 7, 2022
Former ACB CEO Shafiq Stanikzai heavily criticized Ali and called for a ban on him from the game. “This is stupidity at extreme level by Asif Ali and should be banned from the rest of the tournament, any bowler has the right to celebrate but being physical is not acceptable at all,” Stanikzai wrote on Twitter.
This is stupidity at extreme level by Asif Ali and should be ban from the rest of the tournament, any bowler has the right to celebrate but being physical is not acceptable at all https://t.co/ebnqSaRRmD
— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) September 7, 2022
The match was ultimately won by Pakistan, courtesy of a young Naseem Shah. Shah hit two sixes in the last over of Farooqi when it was 11 needed off six balls. The Afghanistan players appeared heartbroken while Shah and the company had a wild celebration after the win. With this win, Pakistan is set to face Sri Lanka in the finals. And Afghanistan along with India is now out of the tournament with their last clash against each other scheduled on Thursday.
Afghan players put right back into their place by 19 year old kid Naseem Shah. Unforgettable match against people we have loved & supported always.
Lekin bat tamizi aur arrogance nay un no foran neecha dikhaya.Full video: https://t.co/u3LsS2GfrD pic.twitter.com/X6Obdq35bj
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 7, 2022
Shoaib Akhtar also had his say in the matter but he went the Pakistani way to do so. “Afghan players put right back into their place by 19 year old kid Naseem Shah. Unforgettable match against people we have loved & supported always. Lekin bat tamizi aur arrogance nay un no foran neecha dikhaya,” Shoaib said on the matter.
