While we're confident Ali made the remark innocently, we're sure surprised by his odd choice of words and thought process.
Pakistan fast-bowler Hasan Ali has taken rapid strides in world cricket ever since his international debut in 2016. The 24-year-old is ranked third in ICC's ODI rankings for bowlers and is a vital cog for Pakistan every time he takes the field. In the 50-over format, he has taken 66 wickets from 32 matches at a phenomenal average of 20.68.
Just like some of his illustious predecessors, Ali has his own unique way of celebrating after taking a wicket. Shoiab Akhtar used to spread his arms and run towards his team-mates, while Shahid Afridi used to spread his arms and legs and stand still, with his index fingers pointed out.
Ali's way of relishing a wicket is quite similar to Afridi's. The right-arm speedster spreads his arms and looks up to the heavens every time he gets a scalp. This style of his has earned him several fans, especially in Pakistan.
During a recent interview with Cricket Australia, Ali gave a rather odd explanation for why he celebrates like that. Although it's hard to decipher what exactly he's trying to say, Ali suggests he celebrates like that because he feels he sends down bombs towards batsmen and then his opponent is 'gone' (perhaps, that's the reason for his bird pose).
"It's like a bomb that goes to the batsman, and then he's gone," says Ali, spreading his arms. "I started doing this from the day I made my debut for Pakistan. If you see my videos, first I do three things, my hand goes down then both hands go up. I did practice it sometimes because people are coming and watching and they want some entertainment so that's why I especially make it for my fans," he explains.
Watch the interview here
While we're confident Ali made the remark innocently, we're sure surprised by his bizarre choice of words and thought process.
Earlier this year, Ali’s antics at the Wagah border during the traditional flag-lowering ceremony caused a stir on social media. In a video that had gone viral, the medium-pacer was seen entering the flag-lowering ceremony from the Pakistani side, displaying his wicket-taking celebration gesture towards the BSF personnel and Indian audience.
Ali had later posted a message on Twitter. "Always stay high like a moon mera Pakistan".
Here's his tweet
The Pakistan cricket team had visited the Wagah Border to witness the flag lowering ceremony. The ceremony takes place every evening at the Wagah border. The Border Security Force (BSF) of India and Pakistani Rangers take part in the ceremony. The practice dates back to 1959.
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