**Pakistan Cricketer Sahibzada Farhan Unveils “Gunmode” Bat Sticker Amid Controversy**
Pakistan cricketer Sahibzada Farhan has sparked discussions in the cricketing community by unveiling a new bat sticker called “Gunmode,” following Pakistan’s loss in the Asia Cup final. The sticker draws inspiration from Farhan’s earlier gun celebration during the Super Four clash against India, reigniting debates about sportsmanship and the appropriateness of flamboyant gestures in international cricket.
The “Gunmode” sticker is a direct nod to Farhan’s viral gun celebration, where he mimicked firing a gun with his bat after hitting a six off India’s Axar Patel in Dubai. In a now-deleted video, Farhan hinted at incorporating the sticker in his future matches, signaling that his expressive antics are likely here to stay.
![Image: CA International/Instagram]
However, the gesture has drawn criticism from sections of the cricketing community. Critics argue that personal theatrics like this can overshadow the true spirit of sportsmanship and the essence of the game. They contend that celebrations mimicking weapons could detract from the team’s collective achievement and potentially set a controversial precedent in cricket.
Farhan’s “Gunmode” sticker sits at the heart of an ongoing debate about balancing individual expression with maintaining the integrity of the sport. While his performances continue to impress, his provocative celebrations raise important questions about preserving decorum and the spirit of cricket on the international stage.
—
**Asia Cup 2025: Haris Rauf Fined, Sahibzada Farhan Reprimanded After Provocative Gestures**
In a related development during the Asia Cup 2025, two Pakistani players, Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan, were officially reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the Code of Conduct during the high-pressure India-Pakistan Super Four match held in Dubai on September 21.
Both players were found guilty of Level 1 offences. Haris Rauf was fined 30% of his match fees, while Farhan received a formal reprimand without a financial penalty.
According to reports from Cricbuzz, Rauf was penalized for an on-field gesture where he mimicked a crashing plane—an action deemed inappropriate and against the spirit of the game. The ICC match referee ruled that Rauf’s conduct brought the game into disrepute.
Sahibzada Farhan was found guilty of a Level 1 offence for his celebratory act after scoring a half-century. Farhan made 58 runs off 45 balls in Pakistan’s eventual six-wicket loss and celebrated by mimicking a gun with his bat—a move viewed as a violation of acceptable on-field behavior.
Both incidents occurred during a match played under immense pressure and spotlight, with India ultimately defeating Pakistan convincingly. The ICC’s actions demonstrate its commitment to upholding discipline and preserving the spirit of cricket, even during emotionally charged encounters.
Under the ICC Code of Conduct, Level 1 breaches are considered the least severe but still warrant formal handling through fines, warnings, or reprimands.
—
As the cricketing world continues to debate the balance between personal expression and the spirit of the game, players like Sahibzada Farhan remain at the center of conversations about sportsmanship in modern cricket.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/pakistan-batter-sahibzada-farhan-sparks-controversy-with-gunmode-bat-sticker-post-asia-cup-2025-loss-to-team-india
