Ahmed Shahzad Slams Saim Ayub Over Baby-Cradle Send-Off to 15-Year-Old Sooryavanshi
Former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shahzad has criticised Saim Ayub for his baby-cradle send-off to India’s 15-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the Asian Games men’s cricket final, questioning both the celebration and Pakistan’s meek surrender to India.
Speaking in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Shahzad said the gesture against a teenage opponent was unnecessary and reflected a side more interested in theatrics than in winning the big moments.
What Shahzad said about the Saim Ayub celebration
The Saim Ayub celebration came after the all-rounder dismissed Sooryavanshi in the third over of India’s innings. Ayub bowled a length delivery just outside off stump, the teenager attempted a reverse sweep, and extra bounce took the ball off his gloves through to wicketkeeper Usman Khan. Sooryavanshi made 15 off nine balls.
Ayub then turned towards the departing batter and rocked his arms like a baby’s cradle, a pointed reference to the opener’s age. Shahzad was unimpressed.
“You guys are the ones who made this. You should be doing this, or the world should be doing this. The way the world has made you a kid, India has made you a kid in cricket,” he said.
The 34-year-old also questioned Ayub’s overall contribution with bat and ball, and Pakistan’s repeated failures against India in high-pressure games.
“You lost your fourth or fifth match to them. You don’t show your fight, you don’t finish your action. What did you do? Neither does Saim Ayub know how to bat, nor does he know how to bowl well,” Shahzad said.
Dropped catches and a costly final
Shahzad reserved particular criticism for Pakistan’s fielding in the final, pointing to the dropped catch of Abhishek Sharma, who went on to smash 61 off 28 balls and set up India’s 211 for six.
“Catches are important. You dropped Abhishek Sharma’s catch and gave him a chance. You made the whole of Pakistan bow down. You lost. If you got the chance, you should perform and execute,” he said.
Pakistan, chasing 212, were restricted to 192 in their 20 overs and lost by 19 runs, settling for their first-ever silver medal in the Asian Games men’s cricket competition.
Backlash beyond Pakistan
The send-off drew a sharp reaction from Indian fans on social media, and former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal also criticised Ayub, saying modern players were chasing social media attention instead of performances.
“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. “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.”
The celebration also backfired on the field. Abhishek Sharma, at the non-striker’s end, answered with a six and two fours off the remainder of the same over.
Frequently asked questions
What did Saim Ayub do to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?
After dismissing the 15-year-old for 15 in the Asian Games final, Ayub performed a baby-cradle rocking gesture towards the departing Indian opener.
Why did Ahmed Shahzad criticise the celebration?
Shahzad felt the send-off against a teenager was unnecessary and said Pakistan’s players should show more fight and responsibility in big matches against India instead of engaging in theatrics.
What was the result of the Asian Games men’s cricket final?
India beat Pakistan by 19 runs, posting 211 for six and restricting Pakistan to 192. Pakistan took their first-ever silver medal in the event.
Did anyone else criticise Saim Ayub?
Yes. Former Pakistan keeper Kamran Akmal also criticised the gesture, saying Ayub should focus on performances rather than social media moments, and Indian fans reacted angrily online.
