After a thrilling ILT20 2025 final between Desert Vipers and Dubai Capitals, intense nail‑biting drama spilled onto social media after Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi took a shot at Mohammad Amir following his tense encounter with Gulbadin Naib during the game. The final provided a dramatic backdrop that sparked rivalries, off‑field incidents, and online exchanges following the Capitals’ win.
The issue began when Mohammad Amir sent Naib packing with a toe‑crushing delivery during his side’s chase. The former Pakistani international celebrated Naib’s dismissal by mimicking the Afghan all‑rounder’s signature bicep‑flex celebration—a taunt that did not sit well with Naib. Although he initially maintained his composure, the tension simmered beneath the surface.
As the match unfolded, Sikandar Raza’s late heroics helped propel Dubai Capitals to victory. His explosive 34‑run knock off just 12 balls—including a destructive 15‑run assault on Amir in the penultimate over—shifted the momentum decisively in his team’s favor.
Gulbadin Naib wasted no time reveling in the moment and calling out Amir for his on‑field antics. “Cricket is a gentleman’s game,” Naib remarked sharply. “If you don’t show respect, no one will respect you.”
The rivalry took a new turn when Fazalhaq Farooqi, a standout performer for MI Emirates in the ILT20, took to X (formerly Twitter) to stoke the flames further. Farooqi posted a collage showing Amir and Sam Curran (the Vipers’ captain) mockingly flexing their biceps, paired with an image of Naib lifting the ILT20 trophy. Although the caption congratulated his Afghan teammates, it was widely seen as a clear dig at Amir’s earlier antics.
This latest escalation between Mohammad Amir and Fazalhaq Farooqi exemplifies the growing animosity between players from the two nations. Pakistan versus Afghanistan matches have become some of the most intense clashes in recent years, with tensions evident every time teams from both sides face off.
Fans will be watching closely as the rivalry intensifies, with upcoming encounters likely to be even more heated. As the next T20 franchise competition approaches, the cricketing world will be eager to see whether Amir, Naib, and Farooqi continue their war of words or move beyond the drama to focus solely on the game. Either way, this rivalry appears far from over.