‘Saim Ayub is not a kid’ – Kamran Akmal criticises Pakistan star for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi send-off

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has criticised Saim Ayub for giving a baby cradle send-off to 15-year-old Indian batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the Asian Games 2026 final. Speaking on the Gameplan YouTube show, Akmal argued that such gestures reflect poorly on international cricket and urged players to focus on their on-field performances rather than social media antics.

The incident took place after Ayub dismissed Sooryavanshi in the third over at Korogi Sports Park. India went on to win the final by 19 runs after posting 211 for 6, while Ayub finished with figures of 1 for 47 and scored 22 runs.