**Pakistan Cricketer Sahibzada Farhan Unveils “Gunmode” Bat Sticker Amid Controversy**
Pakistan cricketer Sahibzada Farhan has sparked a wave of discussion within the cricketing community by unveiling a new bat sticker named “Gunmode” following Pakistan’s loss in the Asia Cup final. The sticker draws inspiration from his iconic gun celebration during the Super Four clash against India, reigniting debates around sportsmanship and the appropriateness of flamboyant gestures in international cricket.
The “Gunmode” sticker is a direct homage to Farhan’s viral celebration, where he mimicked firing a gun with his bat after smashing a six off Axar Patel in Dubai. In a now-deleted video, Farhan hinted at plans to use the sticker in future matches, signaling that his expressive on-field antics are likely to continue.
![Image: CA International/Instagram]
However, the gesture has not gone without criticism. Some sections of the cricket community argue that such personal theatrics can overshadow the spirit of sportsmanship and the true essence of the game. Critics contend that celebrations mimicking weapons could detract from the team’s collective achievement and risk setting a controversial precedent in cricket.
Farhan’s “Gunmode” sticker thus finds itself at the heart of an ongoing debate about balancing individual expression with the integrity and decorum of international cricket. While his performances on the field have continued to impress, his provocative celebrations raise important questions regarding maintaining the spirit and dignity of the sport.
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### Asia Cup 2025: ICC Reprimands Sahibzada Farhan and Fines Haris Rauf Over On-field Gestures
Following the high-tension India-Pakistan Super Four match in Dubai on September 21, the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued official reprimands to two Pakistani players, Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf, for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct.
Both players were found guilty of Level 1 offences, which are considered the least severe but still warrant formal action. Pacer Haris Rauf was fined 30% of his match fee for an inappropriate on-field gesture where he mimicked a crashing plane—an act deemed against the spirit of the game. Meanwhile, Farhan received a formal reprimand for his celebratory gun gesture after scoring 58 runs off 45 balls.
According to reports from Cricbuzz, the ICC match referee concluded that both players’ conduct brought the game into disrepute during a match played under intense pressure and spotlight, ultimately won convincingly by India.
The ICC’s response underscores its commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding the spirit of cricket, especially during emotionally charged encounters. While the fines and reprimands for Level 1 breaches may be relatively light, they serve as an important reminder of the standards expected from players at the international level.
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**Tags:** Sahibzada Farhan, Gunmode sticker, Asia Cup 2025, ICC reprimand, Haris Rauf, cricket controversies, sportsmanship, cricket celebrations
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/pakistan-batter-sahibzada-farhan-sparks-controversy-with-gunmode-bat-sticker-post-asia-cup-2025-loss-to-team-india
