Sidra Ameen sparks controversy in India after century celebration

Lahore — Pakistan women’s cricket star Sidra Ameen created a stir across the border after making a “six” gesture to celebrate her century against South Africa.

The batter scored her sixth career hundred — and second consecutive century in the ongoing three-match ODI series — setting a new national record. After completing her milestone, Sidra raised six fingers to mark the achievement.

Indian social media users, however, linked the gesture to the loss of six fighter jets during an aerial clash with Pakistan in May, accusing her of mixing politics with sport.

In reality, Sidra was simply celebrating her sixth century. The online uproar soon turned into heated debates, with Indian fans drawing unintended political parallels.

Sidra Ameen had scored 121 runs in the first ODI and followed it with 122 in the second, becoming the first Pakistani and only the second Asian woman cricketer to register back-to-back centuries. Out of the 10 centuries scored in Pakistan women’s cricket history, six now belong to her.