Rinku Singh recalled his angry incident with a Pakistani fan in South Africa, also involving India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav.

A fan was seen on camera approaching Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav during last year's four-match series between South Africa and India in South Africa. With his camera open, the fan attempted to elicit a response from the Indian pair by questioning them about why their nation is unwilling to travel to Pakistan to compete for the Champions Trophy.

Rinku Singh was observed wearing an irate expression, but Suryakumar Yadav remained composed. The left-handed batter eventually talked about the incident and revealed what truly transpired months after it occurred.  

“The guy came close to us. He had his camera open. He was asking some weird questions. He just wanted to get a reaction out of us. He wanted some content. I just told him, 'Bhai, camera to band karle. (Close your camera). He then shut his camera,” Rinku Singh told News24.

“Suryakumar Yadav was with me; he ensured that the fan was silent. As you saw in that video, I was really angry. It's not done when you come close and your camera is open. It was wrong,” he added.

Rinku Singh’s words have come amidst the ongoing debate about whether India should play Pakistan even in ICC and ACC events, after the Asia Cup 2025 schedule was announced.

India has not played Pakistan in a bilateral series since 2012-1,3 but has continued to engage in ICC and ACC events. Since the Pahalgam terror attack, which caused the deaths of multiple Indian and foreign tourists, calls have been made to sever all cricketing ties with Pakistan.

The Sports Ministry clarified, however, that India is permitted to compete against Pakistan in multilateral tournaments. Prior to India vs. Pakistan's Group A Asia Cup match on September 14.

Rinku Singh has been named in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad for the Asia Cup that begins on September 9 in the UAE.