The Pakistan U-17 football team lost a close 2-3 contest against India in the SAFF U-17 Championship on Monday in Colombo. The high-energy match at Racecourse International Stadium sparked a social media storm over a controversial goal celebration.
After securing a goal Pakistani player Muhammad Abdullah ran to the corner flag, sat down and mimicked sipping tea, a gesture many linked to the 2019 viral video of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. Varthaman was filmed sipping tea after being captured in Pakistan. Social media quickly lit up, with some calling it fun while others criticised it as provocative.
Echoes of Haris Rauf’s gesture in cricket
The incident came just hours after Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf’s controversial “6-0” finger gesture toward Indian fans during the Asia Cup clash in Dubai. That act had already stirred anger online and Abdullah’s celebration added further fuel to the India-Pakistan sporting rivalry narrative.
On the pitch, the match was filled with drama. India’s Gangte opened the scoring before Abdullah leveled with a penalty.
India sealed the top position in Group B with goals from Dallulmuan Gangte in the 31st minute, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam in the 63rd, and Rahan Ahmed in the 73rd. Pakistan fought hard, equalising twice through Muhammad Abdullah’s penalty in the 43rd and Hamza Yasir’s rebound strike in the 70th, but ultimately fell short when Ahmed netted the winner.
Former India midfielder criticises Pak player’s move
Former India midfielder Syed Rahim Nabi criticised the behaviour of Pakistan’s U-17 team, saying it sent the wrong message to young players.
“I think this is not at all a good example that was set by the U-17 team in the SAFF Championship. Their senior cricket team has done this before, but that doesn’t mean the footballers should replicate it, Nabi said.
Adding to that he mentioned that, “They should focus on their own game instead of such antics. A football pitch is meant to showcase better things. What they did is totally wrong”.
On the pitch, India showed their strength with goals from Dallalmuon Gangte, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam and Rahan Ahmed. Meanwhile, goal secured by Hamza Yasir gave Pakistan some hope, but Ahmed’s strike in the 73rd minute sealed a 3-2 win, helping India head into the semifinals with confidence.