Top 5 Most Controversial Celebrations in Cricket History
It's rare for a cricket match between India and Pakistan to be played without heated exchanges between their players. In the Asia Cup 2025, the two teams clashed over handshakes in the league stage, and then there was a major uproar over celebrations in the Super Four. However, Pakistan suffered humiliating defeats in both matches.
During Pakistan's innings, opener Sahibzada Farhan's gun celebration after scoring a half-century sparked controversy. Controversy has erupted over player celebrations on the cricket field before. Therefore, let us tell you about five infamous celebrations in cricket history.
Sahibzada Farhan - Gun Celebration
Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan performed a gun-shot celebration upon reaching his half-century in the Super Four match against India in the Asia Cup 2025. After reaching his half-century, Farhan turned toward the dugout and simulated firing a gun with his bat. Given the already strained Indo-Pak relations, Farhan's action was considered provocative and insensitive.
Virat Kohli - Middle Finger Celebration
In 2012, frustrated by the misbehavior of the spectators at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Kohli flashed the middle finger towards the stands, causing widespread uproar. The ICC fined him 50% of his match fee for a Level 1 violation.
Kagiso Rabada - Steve Smith's shoulder
In the 2018 Port Elizabeth Test against Australia, South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada aggressively shouldered Steve Smith while celebrating. Rabada was subsequently suspended for two Test matches.
Shakib Al Hasan - Kicking the Stumps
In 2021, Shakib Al Hasan, angered by an umpiring decision during a Dhaka Premier League match, kicked the stumps and uprooted another stump and threw it down. The Bangladesh Cricket Board subsequently banned Shakib for three matches and imposed a heavy fine.
Ben Stokes - Obscene Gesture
In 2017, England all-rounder Ben Stokes made an offensive gesture towards the crowd in Leeds after being dismissed in a Test match against the West Indies. He was reprimanded by the ICC and fined 15% of his match fee.
ALSO SEE: Trinbago Knight Riders Rewrite History with Fifth Caribbean Premier League Title