Saim Ayub’s Baby-Cradle Celebration Sparks Indian Fans’ Backlash
Ayub was subjected to jeers and taunts from Indian supporters while fielding near the boundary.
NISSHIN: (Sports Desk) – Pakistan all-rounder Saim Ayub’s baby-cradle celebration after dismissing India’s 15-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final sparked criticism from Indian supporters.
Ayub claimed the wicket with the opening delivery of the third over, bowling a length ball outside off stump. Sooryavanshi attempted a reverse sweep but was unable to control the shot as extra bounce caused the ball to deflect off his gloves into the hands of wicketkeeper Usman Khan.
After Sooryavanshi was dismissed for 15 off nine balls, Ayub celebrated by performing a baby-cradle gesture, enthusiastically marking Pakistan’s first breakthrough in the high-profile final.
The celebration, however, did not go down well with Indian supporters, several of whom criticised Ayub on social media. Some fans also questioned the Pakistan all-rounder’s performance and compared his achievements with those of the teenage Indian batter.
Sooryavanshi’s dismissal proved to be Ayub’s only wicket of the match. He conceded 47 runs in his four overs as India posted a formidable 211 for 6 in their 20 overs, with half-centuries from Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma.
Ayub also endured a difficult outing with the bat and in the field. He dropped two catches before scoring 22 runs from 29 deliveries as Pakistan failed to chase India’s 220-run target.
Later in the innings, Ayub was subjected to jeers and taunts from Indian supporters while fielding near the boundary. A video of the incident subsequently circulated widely on social media.
Following Pakistan’s defeat, some Indian fans further criticised Ayub online, with one social media user claiming that Pakistan’s loss was linked to his baby-cradle celebration and subsequent performance.
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