Saim Ayub's Baby-Cradle Send-Off to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Sparks Backlash From Indian Fans
Saim Ayub’s Baby-Cradle Send-Off to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Sparks Backlash From Indian Fans
Pakistan all-rounder Saim Ayub stirred a social media storm on Saturday after aiming a baby-cradle celebration at India’s 15-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the Asian Games men’s cricket final in Nisshin, Japan. The Saim Ayub baby cradle celebration came right after he dismissed the teenager early in India’s innings, and Indian fans made their displeasure known within minutes.
The incident took place at the Korogi Sports Park during the gold-medal match. Sooryavanshi had opened India’s innings alongside Abhishek Sharma after India won the toss and chose to bat first, and had made a brisk start with two sixes in a nine-ball stay.
How the dismissal unfolded
Ayub provided Pakistan with the first breakthrough of the innings early in the third over. Bowling a length delivery just outside off stump, he watched Sooryavanshi attempt a reverse sweep. The ball gripped, bounced extra and brushed the teenager’s glove on its way through to wicketkeeper Usman Khan, who juggled the ball off his chest before holding on.
Sooryavanshi walked back for 15 off nine balls. Ayub turned towards the departing batter and rocked his arms in the baby-cradle gesture, a celebration more often seen on football pitches than cricket fields. It was his only wicket of the match.
Saim Ayub baby cradle celebration divides fans online
The gesture did not go down well across the border. Indian fans flooded X with criticism of the Pakistan all-rounder, with many calling the send-off disrespectful towards a 15-year-old.
“Saim Ayub needs to learn how to bat from Vaibhav,” wrote one user, while another claimed the teenager “has already achieved at 15 what Saim couldn’t at 25.” Others pointed to what followed: Ayub finished with figures of one for 47 from his four overs, his last over alone costing 23 runs as Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma cut loose.
Later in India’s innings, Ayub was subjected to hooting and abuse from Indian supporters while fielding near the boundary, with a video of the episode circulating widely on social media.
A difficult day all round for Ayub
Beyond the celebration, little went right for the all-rounder. He dropped two catches in the field and then managed only 22 off 29 balls with the bat as Pakistan’s chase of India’s 211 for six fell short. Half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma had powered India to the imposing total, and Pakistan had to settle for the silver medal.
Send-offs and the fine line in cricket
Cricket’s rulebook takes a dim view of provocative send-offs. The ICC Code of Conduct penalises players who use language, actions or gestures that disparage a dismissed batter or could provoke an aggressive reaction. Several international players have been fined or suspended for overstepping that line in recent years.
The age gap added fuel to the debate. At 15, Sooryavanshi is among the youngest cricketers at the Asian Games, and many observers felt the gesture was pointed precisely because of his age. Others argued it was harmless theatre in a high-voltage final. Either way, it became one of the most talked-about moments of the gold-medal match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Saim Ayub do after dismissing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?
After dismissing the 15-year-old Indian opener in the third over of the Asian Games final, Ayub celebrated with a baby-cradle gesture directed at the departing batter.
How did Sooryavanshi get out?
Sooryavanshi attempted a reverse sweep against Ayub, got extra bounce, gloved the ball and was caught behind by Usman Khan for 15 off nine balls, including two sixes.
Who won the Asian Games men’s cricket final?
India won the gold medal after posting 211 for six, with half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma. Pakistan took the silver medal after falling short in the chase.
Can players be punished for send-off celebrations?
Yes. The ICC Code of Conduct allows match referees to sanction players whose celebrations disparage a dismissed batter or risk provoking a reaction, with penalties ranging from fines to suspension points.
