Intense India-Pakistan Rivalry Resurfaces in U-17 Football Championship

Historical Tensions Erupt on the Football Field

The longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan were reignited not just on the cricket pitch during the Asia Cup but also in the SAFF U-17 Championship held in Sri Lanka. While the senior cricket match was highlighted for its fierce competition and politically charged atmosphere, the youth football match also stirred significant controversy.

Central to the uproar were a series of provocative celebrations by Pakistani players that drew comparisons to emotionally charged events from recent military confrontations between the two nations. During the Asia Cup, fast bowler Haris Rauf and batter Sahibzada Farhan faced backlash for gestures that appeared to reference the tragic Pahalgam terror attack and the contentious Operation Sindoor from May 2025. These actions received widespread criticism, which spilled over into the U-17 match.

Controversial Celebrations During the Match

In a crucial Group B match, India faced Pakistan in Colombo. India initially took the lead with a score of 1-0, but Pakistani forward Muhammad Abdullah equalized with a penalty kick at the half-hour mark. However, his celebration quickly drew ire.

Abdullah ran to the corner flag and, along with teammates, performed a 'tea-drinking' gesture. While it might have appeared innocuous, many Indian fans linked it to the 2019 incident involving Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who humorously remarked about the tea he was served while in Pakistani custody. This moment has since become a viral symbol in the context of India-Pakistan relations.

Escalating Tensions with Symbolic Gestures

“The Tea was fantastic” celebration in Pakistan vs India U17 football match 🙈pic.twitter.com/3SpVf4fTa7

— I b r a h e e m  (@Ibraheeeeem92) September 22, 2025

Adding to the controversy, Abdullah's tea gesture was accompanied by a motion that resembled an airplane crash, echoing Haris Rauf's recent celebration, which many interpreted as a reference to Pakistan's claim of downing six Indian aircraft this year.

India's Victory Amidst Controversy

Despite the provocative gestures, the Indian U-17 team responded effectively on the field. They regained the lead after halftime, making the score 2-1, but Pakistan equalized once more. However, in the 74th minute, Rahan Ahmed scored the decisive goal, leading India to a thrilling 3-2 victory. This win allowed India to top Group B with a flawless record of 9 points, securing a semifinal match against Nepal, while Pakistan, as the runner-up, will face Bangladesh.