• Source:JND
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India vs Pakistan SAFF U-17 Championship: Matches between India and Pakistan have become intertwined with controversy, transcending the realm of sports. The extreme political tensions between the two countries often spill over into the field, resulting in heated moments that garner global attention.

The Asia Cup 2025 has witnessed intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, with both teams facing off in the Group Stage and Super Four matches and the high-stakes encounters have been marred by controversy.

In India's second encounter against Pakistan in the ongoing tournament, Pakistan cricketer Haris Rauf sparked outrage with his gestures, perceived as mocking the Indian spectators by making the “6-0” gesture, including mimicking a fighter jet getting downed, a groundless claim by Pakistan. Also, Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan pulled out a gun celebration after reaching his half-century.

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The controversial gestures made by cricketers seem to have inspired Pakistan's young footballers. In a recent SAFF U-17 Championship match against India, Pakistan footballer Muhammad Abdullah ignited a controversy by mimicking gestures similar to cricketer Rauf.

After scoring a penalty kick to level the match at 1-1 against India, Abdullah ran to the corner flag, sat down with his teammates, and mimicked sipping tea - a gesture widely interpreted as a provocative nod to the 2019 incident, capture and subsequent release of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

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Abdullah's controversy didn't stop at one gesture; he went on to mimic a "jet crashing" gesture similar to Rauf's action, referencing Pakistan's baseless claims of downing Indian fighter jets during Operation Sindoor, a military operation conducted by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

India emerged victorious in a pulsating encounter at the Racecourse International Stadium, topping Group B with a 3-2 win.