Pakistani Players Face Scrutiny: BCCI Lodges Complaint with ICC Over Controversial Gestures by Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan
New Delhi, September 25: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Pakistani cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan. The complaint stems from provocative gestures made by the players during the Asia Cup Super Four match held on September 21 in Dubai.
According to the complaint, Haris Rauf mimicked shooting down a fighter plane, while Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his half-century with a gunfire gesture. These actions have sparked outrage among Indian fans and officials, who have termed them as “provocative and against the spirit of the game.”
Rauf’s gesture linked to India-Pakistan tensions
The controversy unfolded when Indian fans chanted “Virat Kohli” repeatedly while Rauf was bowling, reminding him of the two consecutive sixes Kohli smashed off his bowling during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne. The chants seemingly triggered Rauf, who responded by signaling as if shooting down aircraft from the sky—a gesture perceived to be linked with Pakistan’s disputed claims of downing Indian jets during past military operations.
This act quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from Indian cricket supporters. Many accused Rauf of politicizing the sport and disrespecting the game’s global spirit.
Heated exchanges on the field
In addition to the gesture, Rauf was also accused of using abusive language towards Indian openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma during the match. Afterward, Abhishek Sharma remarked, “We gave our response with the bat,” indirectly confirming the verbal spat.
Sahibzada Farhan’s gun celebration
Sahibzada Farhan also found himself in the middle of controversy when he celebrated his fifty by holding his bat like a machine gun and pretending to fire shots. While the gesture angered many viewers, Farhan defended his actions after the match, stating, “I don’t usually celebrate, but that day I felt like doing it. I don’t care how others perceive it.”
PCB files counter-complaint against India’s Surya Kumar Yadav
In retaliation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed its own complaint with the ICC against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav. The PCB alleged that Suryakumar’s post-match statement after the first India-Pakistan game on September 14 was “political.” According to the PCB, Suryakumar had dedicated India’s win to victims of terrorism and to the armed forces involved in Operation Sindhur, something they claim violates ICC’s code of conduct.
However, it remains unclear whether the PCB filed the complaint within the mandatory seven-day period required under ICC rules.
ICC to review both complaints
The ICC will now review both BCCI and PCB’s complaints. If Rauf and Farhan deny the charges in writing, they may have to appear before ICC Elite Panel referee Richie Richardson. Failure to justify their actions could result in penalties under the ICC Code of Conduct, which may include fines or suspensions.
Political angle intensifies debate
The controversy was further fueled by Pakistan’s Interior Minister and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi. On Wednesday, he shared a video on social media showing football star Cristiano Ronaldo making a similar celebratory gesture to Rauf’s. Although the video seemed to depict Ronaldo’s free-kick routine, it was interpreted by many as a political provocation amid the ongoing cricket dispute.
The BCCI and ICC have taken note of Naqvi’s post, and discussions are underway on whether further action should be taken against him. The timing has sparked questions, particularly with India reaching the Asia Cup final where players are expected to share the stage with Naqvi during the presentation ceremony.
What lies ahead
With both sides now accusing each other of misconduct, the ICC faces pressure to act decisively. Cricket experts warn that such politically charged gestures risk undermining the sport’s neutrality. Fans on social media are divided—while some Pakistani supporters defended the gestures as “harmless celebrations,” many Indian fans demanded strict disciplinary action.
As the Asia Cup heads toward its climax, the controversy continues to dominate headlines, with the spotlight firmly on how the ICC responds.
