Indian media left angered with Hasan Ali's stunt at the Wagah Border

The Pakistan team is prepped up for their upcoming tour to the United Kingdom where they will play a Test series against Ireland and then England. And ahead of leaving for England, Pakistan’s superstar pacer Hasan Ali, along with teammates, visited Wagah Border at the conclusion of their training camp on Saturday to witness the flag-lowering ceremony conducted every evening at the historic venue.

The 24-year-old couldn’t resist showing off his famous trademark style and thrilled the guards with his unique wicket-celebrating gesture. He was involved in it and probably on encouragement from the fans and officials present there he walked the path where the soldier’s parade, he went very close to the gate and then performed his iconic ‘generator’ celebration.

Here’s the video

Hasan Ali being Hasan Ali during the flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border pic.twitter.com/sQuiwthVLb

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 21, 2018

Following the visit, he tweeted, “Always stay high like a moon [my] Pakistan. Shukariyaa [Thank you] Pakistan.”

You can see the Tweet below

Always stay high like a moon mera Pakistan ?? Shukariyaa Pakistan pic.twitter.com/rdZYrWWatS

— Hassan Ali (@RealHa55an) April 21, 2018

However, the cricketer’s gestures were not taken lightly by the Indian media. Once the video was picked up by the Indian houses, Ali received a lot of flak, while some complaining that the act was a provocation of the sort.

You can see the reactions below

WATCH | Pakistani cricketer Hasan Ali's open provocation at border #StopPamperingPak pic.twitter.com/pNRzpZhhwN

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) April 22, 2018

Wagah border: Pakistan cricketer Hasan Ali shows off his signature style before Indians at Wagha Border, BSF to lodge protest
More videos: https://t.co/Nounxo6IKQ #ITVideo pic.twitter.com/SNbNqcpNNR

— India Today (@IndiaToday) April 22, 2018

The Wagah Border ritual

Wagah is a village on the India-Pakistan border. The two countries have a gate on the Wagha border which is used as a terminal for goods trade. It is between Amritsar on the Indian side and Lahore on the Pakistani side. The place is famous for the retreat ceremony that is held every evening on both sides.

The Indian Border Security Force and the Pakistan Rangers who guard their respective territories take the flags down on either side and close the gate with a parade and following the retreat ceremony.

Thousands gather in both the Indian and Pakistani area of the Wagha border to witness this every evening. It is a symbolic tradition and the people, as well as the forces, take a lot of pride in performing the same.