Controversy Erupts as Pakistan U-17 Football Team’s Celebrations Spark Anger Among Indian Fans

The India-Pakistan rivalry, known for its intensity in cricket, spilled over into the SAFF U-17 Championship in Sri Lanka, with a football match between the two nations becoming a focal point of contention. The game was marked by provocative celebrations from the Pakistani side that evoked sensitive themes. Specifically, Pakistani player Muhammad Abdullah’s goal celebration included a ‘tea-drinking’ gesture, which was perceived by many Indian supporters as a disrespectful reference to Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured in Pakistan in 2019. Abdullah’s actions also mimicked an airplane crash, which many saw as a jab at India. The gestures recalled the on-field behavior of Pakistani cricketers, who were criticized for their gestures in the Asia Cup, interpreted by some as mocking Indian military losses. The Indian team, however, managed to overcome the on-field provocations, winning the match 3-2, with Rahan Ahmed’s late goal sealing the victory. This win allowed India to top Group B and advance to the semi-finals to play Nepal, while Pakistan will play Bangladesh.