Abhishek Sharma Reveals What Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf Said to Him During IND vs PAK Match
Abhishek Sharma says Pakistani players made personal attacks in Asia Cup 2025 clash, fueling his match-winning performance.
Indian opener Abhishek Sharma accused Pakistani players of provoking his team during the Super Four clash of the 2025 Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday. He said their personal attacks on the field motivated him to play aggressively and deliver for India.
Sharma was involved in multiple on-field arguments. The first came after he hit a first-ball six off Shaheen Afridi, during which he was seen hurling abuses at the pacer. Later, when Shubman Gill hit Haris Rauf for a boundary, Sharma and Rauf got into another heated exchange, requiring umpires to step in.
Despite the drama, Sharma starred with the bat, scoring 74 off 39 balls and earning Player of the Match. His opening partnership with Shubman Gill, who made 47 off 28, laid the foundation for India’s six-wicket win, which was wrapped up by Tilak Varma’s cameo.
“Paaji, today, I think I needed to do something because I didn’t like what was happening,” Sharma told Sony Sports Network. “The words that were being said… after every ball, they were making personal attacks. Shubman and I were talking about it, that we’ll win the match and give them a befitting reply.”
At the post-match ceremony, Sharma reiterated his point. “Today was simple; the way they were coming onto us without any reason, I did not like it at all. That’s why I went after them. I wanted to deliver for the team.”
“Shubman and I have been playing since school days. We enjoy each other’s company and thought we would do it today. The way he was giving it back, I really enjoyed it. The team supports me, and that’s the intent I show. If it’s my day, I’m gonna win it for my team.”
