Everyone has right to express the way they want: Shaheen Afridi defends Haris Rauf-Sahibzada Farhan's controversial act

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The Asia Cup 2025, Super Four match between India and Pakistan proved to be more than just a clash between bat and ball last Sunday. Numerous fans and commentators criticised the Pakistani duo of Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for their immature actions, which sparked a lot of social media reactions. Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi was questioned about Haris and Sahibzada's on-field gestures by reporters ahead of their Super Four clash against Bangladesh.

"Look, our job is to play cricket. Honestly, everyone has the right to express the way they want to," Shaheen said when questioned about the criticism Sahibzada and Haris received for their actions against India.

Shaheen attempted to minimise the commotion produced by Pakistan's on-field conduct. "Everyone has their own respect. Everyone thinks the way they think. But our job is to play cricket. And we have come to win the tri-nation Series. We have come to win the Asia Cup. And we, God willing, as a team, are doing our best," he said.

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Pakistan have already lost to India twice in in the current edition of Asia Cup. On September 28, the two teams may face each other again in the final. Shaheen voiced confidence in his team's ability to eventually upset India if the two sides play in the summit clash on Sunday, even though none of the finalists have been confirmed yet.

"They have not reached the final yet. We will see when they reach the final. We have come here to win the final and win the Asia Cup. We are ready for any team that comes. We will defeat them," he said.

Although Pakistan hasn't won many matches against top teams, the left-arm pacer acknowledged that they are committed to changing that.

Pakistan meet Bangladesh in their final Super Four match on Thursday. A positive outcome will help their case in reaching the Asia Cup final. India, on the other hand, play Bangladesh later on Wednesday evening. All three teams have one match each, which has put Sri Lanka on the brink of elimination.