Pakistan’s triumph at the 2025 Hong Kong International Sixes tournament has been overshadowed by controversy, as all-rounder Muhammad Shahzad drew widespread backlash for mocking India and its players following the final. Shahzad’s celebratory antics and social media jibes have ignited a firestorm of criticism from fans, former cricketers, and commentators across both nations, turning a sporting achievement into a diplomatic flashpoint in cricketing circles.
The Incident That Sparked the Storm
After Pakistan clinched their sixth Hong Kong Sixes title with a commanding 43-run win over Kuwait in the final, Shahzad took to social media to celebrate. In a now-viral post, he responded to Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik’s earlier tweet—where Karthik had celebrated India’s narrow win over Pakistan in the group stage—with a sarcastic remark: “Business as usual.” Shahzad’s post was accompanied by a photo mimicking Hardik Pandya’s iconic pose from India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory, placing the trophy on the ground and standing behind it with a shrug.
The gesture, intended as a cheeky dig, was perceived by many Indian fans as disrespectful and unsportsmanlike, especially given Pakistan’s recent defeats to India in major tournaments like the Asia Cup and ICC events.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov 8, 2025 | India defeats Pakistan by 2 runs in group stage |
| Nov 9, 2025 | Pakistan wins Hong Kong Sixes final vs Kuwait |
| Nov 9, 2025 | Shahzad mocks India and Dinesh Karthik on social media |
| Nov 10, 2025 | Indian fans and media react with outrage |
| Nov 11, 2025 | Shahzad faces calls for apology and ICC reprimand |
Fan Reaction and Social Media Uproar
The backlash was swift and intense. Indian cricket fans flooded social media with the hashtag #HaveSomeShame, condemning Shahzad’s behavior. Many pointed out that India had defeated Pakistan in the tournament and questioned the appropriateness of mocking a team that had already bested them.
Former cricketers also weighed in. Aakash Chopra tweeted, “Winning is great. Grace in victory is greater.” Harbhajan Singh called the post “childish and unnecessary,” while others urged the ICC to take note of the incident and issue a warning.
Comparative Performance in Hong Kong Sixes 2025
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Final Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 5 | 4 | 1 (vs India) | Champions |
| India | 4 | 2 | 2 | Group Stage Exit |
| Kuwait | 5 | 3 | 2 | Runners-up |
| Australia | 4 | 2 | 2 | Semifinalist |
Shahzad’s Defense and Pakistan’s Response
Muhammad Shahzad has not issued a formal apology but defended his actions as “banter in the spirit of the game.” He stated that his post was meant to be humorous and not intended to offend. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly advised players to exercise restraint on social media, especially when referencing rival nations.
PCB spokespersons emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum and sportsmanship, particularly in international tournaments where emotions run high.
India’s Performance and Dinesh Karthik’s Role
India’s team, led by veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, had a mixed run in the tournament. Despite defeating Pakistan in a rain-affected match, they failed to qualify for the semifinals due to losses against Kuwait and Australia. Karthik’s tweet celebrating the win over Pakistan was seen as a morale booster, but Shahzad’s response turned the spotlight away from the sport and toward personal rivalry.
Historical Context of India-Pakistan Cricket Rivalry
| Tournament | Year | India Wins | Pakistan Wins | Notable Moments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Cup | 2023 | 3 | 0 | India dominates group and final |
| T20 World Cup | 2024 | 1 | 0 | Hardik Pandya’s winning pose |
| Hong Kong Sixes | 2025 | 1 | 1 | Shahzad’s mocking post |
| ICC Champions Trophy | 2022 | 1 | 1 | Split honors |
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has always been intense, but moments like Shahzad’s post risk turning competitive spirit into personal animosity. Analysts warn that such behavior could damage the image of the sport and alienate fans.
ICC’s Role and Code of Conduct
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has a well-defined code of conduct for players, which includes clauses on respect, sportsmanship, and responsible use of social media. While Shahzad’s post may not violate any specific rule, it falls into a gray area that could prompt a review.
Calls for ICC intervention have grown louder, with fans demanding that the governing body issue guidelines to prevent future incidents of mockery and provocation.
Media Coverage and Public Sentiment
Mainstream media in India and Pakistan have covered the controversy extensively. Indian outlets have criticized Shahzad’s behavior, while Pakistani media has largely focused on the team’s victory. Editorials in leading newspapers have called for maturity and restraint, emphasizing that cricket should unite rather than divide.
Public sentiment remains polarized. While Pakistani fans celebrate the win, many acknowledge that Shahzad’s actions were ill-timed. Indian fans, meanwhile, continue to express disappointment and demand accountability.
Conclusion
Muhammad Shahzad’s mocking post after Pakistan’s Hong Kong Sixes triumph has sparked a debate far beyond the boundaries of the cricket field. While the tournament showcased thrilling performances and competitive spirit, the aftermath has highlighted the need for sportsmanship and mutual respect. As cricket continues to evolve in the digital age, players must recognize the power—and responsibility—of their words and actions.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and social media reactions. The views expressed are those of the individuals involved and do not reflect any endorsement or verification by the publisher. Readers are advised to follow official channels for updates and statements.
