Ahmad Shahzad criticizes Saim Ayub over baby celebration against India in Asian Games final

Indian men's cricket team defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the final to win the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games. Saturday's match took place at the Korogi Sports Park in Nishin where India posted a target of 212 runs, while Pakistan managed 192 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. This marked India's second consecutive gold medal win at the Asian Games following their victory at the Hangzhou Games.

Saim Ayub's Celebration

During the match, Pakistani batting all-rounder Saim Ayub drew widespread attention by performing a baby celebration after dismissing 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Suryavanshi is popularly known as 'Baby Boss' due to his explosive batting and young age. Former Pakistan cricketer Ahmad Shahzad strongly criticized Ayub's gesture and slammed the national team's overall performance. Shahzad questioned the style of the celebration, pointing out that Suryavanshi was out attempting a reverse sweep and getting an edge rather than off a turning delivery or a bowled dismissal. Shahzad remarked that Pakistan keeps losing matches against India and needs to show a proper fight on the field instead of engaging in excessive acting.

No-Handshake Policy

The match also saw India maintaining its ongoing no-handshake stance against Pakistani players. Captain Shreyas Iyer and Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan did not shake hands during the toss, and players from both sides avoided handshakes after the match concluded. India has continued this policy following the Pahalgam attack in April of last year, starting from the Men's Asia Cup in September 2025.

Match Incidents

During India's innings, Suryavanshi hit two consecutive sixes off Saad Masood in the second over before getting caught off Ayub in the third over. Abhishek Sharma intervened to guide Suryavanshi toward the pavilion before he could react to Ayub's celebration. Ayub also dropped two catches in the fifth over off Arafat Minhas, missing chances from Abhishek Sharma and Shreyas Iyer. Later in the match, Pakistan wicketkeeper Usman Khan was injured while collecting a ball, Sahibzada Farhan was hit on the elbow by a Jaspreet Bumrah delivery, and Washington Sundar took a catch near the boundary line.

Context

Cricket matches between India and Pakistan often carry intense sporting and political scrutiny, leading to strict protocols like the ongoing no-handshake policy observed by the Indian team. Tensions on the field frequently draw sharp reactions from former players regarding team performance and sportsmanship.