The Hong Kong Sixes 2025 concluded with high-voltage action both on and off the field, as Pakistan clinched the title by defeating Kuwait by 43 runs in the final. However, the fun soon turned to drama as Pakistan all-rounder Muhammad Shahzad had taken an alleged dig at India’s Dinesh Karthik by duplicating Hardik Pandya's Khaby Lame-style celebration. 

Shahzad posted a selfie of him replicating Pandya's iconic gesture signifying a relaxed attitude towards life captioning it: "Fun end to the Hong Kong Sixes. Business as usual #WeHaveARealTrophy." It went viral as fans pointed out that it appeared a direct response to Dinesh Karthik's own previous tweet. On the opening day of the tournament, the India Sixes captain quoted, "Fun start to Hong Kong Sixes. Winning against Pak." This interaction reignited an age-old rivalry, giving fans a topic of debate following the final whistle.

Pakistan's victory stemmed from a strong all-round effort. The star of the show was Abbas Afridi with a sensational 52 off 11 deliveries, lifting Pakistan to a strong total of 135/3. For Pakistan's bowling, Maaz Sadaqat led the bowling attack with three wickets for 29 runs in two overs, sealing an emphatic victory for the men in green. The post from Shahzad added some spicy context to the Pakistan victory, which spared more friendly back-and-forth between the two rivals.

🚨 Muhammad Shehzad posing with the trophy like his idol Hardik Pandya! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lcyOyljN1O

— ICC Asia Cricket (@ICCAsiaCricket) November 9, 2025

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Online post reignite Indo-Pak cricket rivalry

While some fans interpreted Shahzad's post as jests, it seemed to also serve as a barometer of the tensions within Indian and Pakistani cricket. The rivalry escalated earlier during the 2025 Aisa Cup in Dubai when various accompanying controversies peaked with a number of Pakistan players celebrating provocatively, a guest appearance from Quinton De Kock and India refusing to receive the trophy from ACC and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Shahzad's tweet now adds another element to an ongoing volcano of a rivalry when he mimicked Pandya's celebration, which was interpreted as their sign that Pakistan had the last word in Hong Kong. India A and Pakistan A are set to meet in the upcoming Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025, so expect more animosities and competitive banter ahead of the game. Every sport is about more than just the game; it is about pride, passion, and cricketing dominance for each country.

In a heated moment in the ongoing Hong Kong Sixes, Pakistan fast bowler Muhammad Shahzad gave cold send-offs to the Indian batters Robin Uthappa and Stuart Binny after sending them back into the pavilion. The aggressive celebrations by Shahzad added fuel to the fire of the India-Pakistan rivalry that fans can expect in the game between these two teams. Pakistan Sixes captain Abbas Afridi won the toss and decided to bowl first in the much-awaited game against India Sixes.

Robin Uthappa opened the innings with Bharat Chipli, and both gave India a strong start. Uthappa batted brilliantly, scoring quick runs to take India to 42 in just 2.2 overs. Chipli took some time to get going but supported Uthappa well. It looked like India would post a big total until Muhammad Shahzad turned the match around for Pakistan.

The right-arm pacer dismissed Uthappa at a crucial time and then got rid of Stuart Binny, who managed only four runs. After each wicket, Shahzad gave a cold send-off by putting his finger to his lips, adding drama to the clash. His celebrations typified the passion that always accompanies an India-Pakistan game.

Tensions Flare Amid Political Backdrop

The heated scenes came during continuing political tensions between India and Pakistan that have impacted their cricket relationship. Players from both sides reportedly refused to shake hands during the Asia Cup and the Women’s World Cup, and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi taking the trophy with him further fueled controversy. In this environment, Shahzad’s send-offs acted as the spark that reignited on-field rivalry between the two nations.

Watch the video here

🚨 SHAHZAD ON FIRE IN HONG KONG! 🚨

Binny gone! 💥 Shahzad strikes again — he’s turning the game on its head! 🎯
What a spell this is! 🏏🔥
[ 🎥 Tik Tok Billa editz]#Shahzad #HongKongSixes #pakvsindia pic.twitter.com/9nw2StonHw

— Rana Ahmed (@RanaAhmad056) November 7, 2025

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In the match, India Sixes finished at 86 for four in six overs. Uthappa top-scored with 28 runs off a mere 11 balls, while Bharat Chipli and Dinesh Karthik made 24 and 17 runs respectively. A bright start was undone by the ferocious spell of Muhammad Shahzad as Pakistan clawed their way back into the match to make the India-Pakistan encounter one of the most breathtaking moments of the tournament.