Hardik Pandya’s send-off to Imam angers Pakistan fans

Hardik Pandya bid farewell to Imam ul Haq with a dismissive gesture after taking his wicket for 36 in the 13th over of Pakistan's innings against India in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

On the second delivery of the 13th over, Imam smashed Hardik for a boundary, sending the ball to the right of deep point. Despite Iyer's courageous dive, the ball eluded his reach.

Following this, Pandya delivered a length ball that moved away from Imam. Falling for the bait, Imam attempted a shot, resulting in the ball catching the outside edge. Rahul executed a straightforward catch with a dive to his left.

Upon dismissing Imam, Pandya waved him off, a send-off that was met with displeasure from Pakistani fans.

Bye, bye - Imam Ul Haq...!!!

Thank you for coming, says Hardik Pandya. pic.twitter.com/KBenNA82po

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 14, 2023

The way Hardik pandaya teased Imam 🥵🥵🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/IH8iZBFtOL

— Harshit 🐐 (@balchodbkl) October 14, 2023

Imam Ul Haq is Gone. Send off from Hardik Pandya. I hope no Indian fan will cry if that comes back to them now.#PAKvIND #INDvPAK #WorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/aIulrXQSTa

— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) October 14, 2023

Hardik Pandya gave a bye-bye send off to Imam UlHaq. Perhaps he forgot the boundaries hit by Imam earlier. #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/o2fh7vbPxd

— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) October 14, 2023

Some fans speculated if Hardik Pandya applied saliva to the ball before Imam's dismissal 

Did Hardik Pandya use saliva on the ball before bowling to Imam Ul Haq? Is this allowed? 👀 #WorldCup2023 #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/eItDYcXVey

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) October 14, 2023