Pakistan cricketer Saim Ayub has come under criticism for his on-field celebration during the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final against India.
Ayub performed a baby-rocking celebration after dismissing young Indian batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, drawing criticism from Indian fans. However, the reaction was not limited to social media, as former Pakistan cricketers Ahmed Shehzad and Kamran Akmal also expressed their displeasure over the incident.
Both former players questioned Ayub’s approach, suggesting that Pakistan’s players should focus more on their performances rather than celebrations and social media attention.
Ahmed Shehzad slams Saim Ayub’s celebration
Former Pakistan opening batter Ahmed Shehzad strongly criticised Ayub’s celebration, questioning the need for such theatrics during an important international match.
Shehzad argued that Pakistan’s recent performances against India did not justify the kind of on-field showmanship displayed by the players.
He also questioned the significance of Ayub’s celebration, pointing out that Sooryavanshi had attempted an innovative reverse sweep when he was dismissed.
Shehzad said ‘What are you guys doing? You guys have made this (baby celebration) yourselves! The world or India should do this, the way the world has made you a child, and India has definitely made you one in cricket.’
He further criticised the repeated displays of aggression and celebrations, questioning whether the dismissal was worthy of such a reaction.
Shehzad’s comments reflected his frustration with what he viewed as unnecessary theatrics, particularly when Pakistan needed to focus on delivering stronger performances against India.
Kamran Akmal advises Saim Ayub to focus on performance
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal also voiced his disappointment over Ayub’s behaviour during the final.
Akmal suggested that Pakistan’s players appeared more focused on creating moments for social media than improving their performances on the field.
He said ‘Our performance isn’t that good, but we’re creating the content we need for social media. We’re focusing more on that.’
Akmal also urged the team management to ensure that players understand the responsibilities that come with representing Pakistan in international cricket.
He added that Ayub was no longer a young, inexperienced player and should demonstrate greater maturity, focusing on his cricket rather than provocative celebrations.
According to Akmal, the team needs to prioritise its performance and approach important matches with greater discipline.
India beat Pakistan to Win Asian Games 2026 Gold
While Ayub’s celebration became a talking point, India had the final say in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final. The Indian team defeated Pakistan to secure the gold medal, while the Pakistani side had to settle for silver.
India produced a strong performance with both bat and ball, maintaining control of the contest despite Pakistan’s efforts to remain competitive.
The victory added another memorable chapter to the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry and allowed India to successfully defend its Asian Games men’s cricket title.
For Pakistan, the defeat meant missing out on gold, while the post-match criticism of Ayub’s celebration added another talking point following the high-profile encounter.
The remarks from Shehzad and Akmal have also reignited the debate over on-field celebrations, player conduct and the importance of performance in high-pressure international matches.