Gulbadin Naib Criticizes Mohammad Amir for ILT20 Final Incident

In a recent match during the ILT20 2025 final, Gulbadin Naib, the Afghan cricketer, publicly criticized Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir for his unsportsmanlike conduct. This incident occurred on February 9 in Dubai, where Naib was on the receiving end of an unceremonious send-off by Amir after being dismissed.

Naib emphasized the importance of mutual respect in cricket, asserting that players who fail to demonstrate respect on the field are unlikely to receive it in return. This stance underlines a broader expectation of sportsmanship and respect among professional players, regardless of the competitive nature of the game.

During the match, Naib fell to a low full-toss delivery from Amir, which struck his pads leading to an unsuccessful review for being out. Alongside dismissing Naib, Mohammad Amir also took the wicket of Sam Billings, ending the match with figures of 4-0-35-2. Despite Amir’s efforts, the Desert Vipers could not overcome the Dubai Capitals, who chased down the target of 190 with a four-wicket victory achieved with four balls remaining.

The decisive performance for Dubai Capitals came from Rovman Powell, who scored a pivotal 63 runs off 38 balls, guiding his team to victory. The win highlighted the competitive spirit of the tournament and the intense performances delivered by the players involved.

Beyond the specific incident, Afghan cricket has been progressing remarkably on the international stage. The national team reached the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, reflecting their advancement in global cricket rankings.

In conclusion, the importance of maintaining sportsmanship in cricket remains a crucial message, as highlighted by Naib’s criticism of Amir. This incident has sparked discussions about player conduct and respect in the sport, reinforcing its significance amid competitive engagements.