ICC fines Haris Rauf, warns Sahibzada Farhan after controversial gestures spark India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 row
Rauf became the focus of controversy during the Super 4s match between India and Pakistan because his gestures toward the Indian supporters were deemed provocative.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) September 26: According to sources, Haris Rauf received a 30% punishment for his controversial behavior during India and Pakistan's last Asia Cup 2025 match in Dubai. Sahibzada Farhan was given a warning for celebrating the gunshot during the Super Four match on September 21 in Dubai.
Match referee Richie Richardson presided over the hearing. It was held at the Pakistan team hotel. Although their statements were sent in writing, both players were present in person. The team manager Naveed Akram Cheema also joined them.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) heard Haris and Sahibzada's case on Friday about their conduct during the Super Four match. The match was against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Rauf’s Provocative Gestures Spark Debate
During the match, Haris had made a 6-0 and plane-crashing move. The gesture was made in response to the Pakistan Army's unproven claims that it shot down six Indian fighter jets. It was during the recent two-nation military conflict following Operation Sindoor.
According to Rauf, the 6-0 gesture had no meaning. It was not aimed for India. The ICC staff had no response when the pacer asked them what they thought the gesture represented. According to Rauf, his gestures made absolutely no reference to India.
Sahibzada’s Gunshot Celebration Questioned
During the match, Sahibzada celebrated with a gunshot after reaching his half-century. According to the report, the opening batter was released after a warning.
Sahibzada claimed that the celebration was a "traditional way of celebrating in his ethnic Pakhtun tribe" in Pakistan. It was not driven by political motives. He also mentioned that Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, the former captains of India, have previously done the same.
BCCI and PCB Trade Complaints
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had complained to the ICC over the two Pakistani cricket players' gestures. It led to the ICC hearing. The complaint was brought after India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav was accused by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of dedicating the team's victory over Pakistan in the group stage to the Indian Armed Forces in a post-match speech.
The rivalry between the two teams grew more intense during the present Asia Cup. This is after India declined to shake hands with Pakistan during the group round match. They did the same in the Super 4 encounter. They too got into heated arguments with the Pakistani players in the second innings.
India-Pakistan Final Set for Historic Clash
India and Pakistan will play each other in the Asia Cup 2025 final for the first time in the competition's history. In the 41-year history of the Asia Cup, the two have never faced off in a final. Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in a crucial Super Four match to go to the final.
