The high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan in the Asian Games 2026 gold medal match produced plenty of drama, but one moment involving Saim Ayub and Vaibhav Suryavanshi attracted attention for all the wrong reasons. Pakistan all-rounder Ayub’s celebration after dismissing the 15-year-old Indian opener was widely discussed, with former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal also expressing his disappointment over the incident.
Ayub dismissed Suryavanshi early in India’s innings and appeared to mock the youngster’s age during his celebration. The gesture did not sit well with Akmal, who felt Pakistan players should concentrate on their performances rather than trying to create moments for social media.
Saim Ayub gives send-off after dismissing Vaibhav Suryavanshi
The incident occurred during the third over of the gold medal contest. Suryavanshi, who had walked out to open the innings for India, managed 15 runs from nine deliveries, including two sixes, before Ayub ended his stay at the crease.
Instead of keeping his celebration conventional, Ayub performed a ‘baby in the cradle’ gesture after completing the dismissal. The celebration was interpreted as a reference to Suryavanshi’s young age and quickly became a talking point among cricket fans.
The moment attracted criticism on social media, particularly because Suryavanshi was competing at the international level despite being only 15 years old. The teenager had already made headlines during the tournament and was part of an Indian side aiming to win gold against their arch-rivals.
Kamran Akmal slams Ayub for his celebration
Akmal was particularly critical of the decision to focus on such celebrations, arguing that players representing Pakistan should allow their performances to do the talking. Speaking during a sports discussion programme, the former wicketkeeper highlighted the importance of respecting opponents regardless of their age or experience.
“These things have been happening for a long time. Our performance hasn’t been great, but we are doing things for social media,” Akmal said.
He also stressed that Sooryavanshi’s age should not change the way he is treated once he steps onto the international stage.
“The management should think about this. It’s international cricket. No matter whether he is 13, 14, or 15, he’s playing international cricket. Saim Ayub is not a kid. He should focus on his performances,” Akmal added.
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India clinch gold after defeating Pakistan
Interestingly, Ayub’s celebration was followed by a powerful response from the Indian batting unit. In the same over, Abhishek Sharma took the attack to the Pakistan all-rounder, smashing a six and two boundaries to immediately put pressure back on the bowler.
Abhishek eventually produced one of the standout innings of the final, scoring a blistering 61 from just 28 balls. Tilak Varma also struck a rapid 51 off 22 deliveries as India posted 211/6 in their 20 overs. Pakistan fought hard in reply, with Hasan Nawaz producing an outstanding 96 from 51 balls. However, India held their nerve and restricted Pakistan to 192/6, securing a 19-run victory and the gold medal.
Also READ: Fans go wild as India beat Pakistan to clinch Gold Medal at Asian Games 2026
