New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lodged an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for provocative gestures during the Asia Cup Super 4 match between India and Pakistan on 21st September 2025 in Dubai.
According to sources, the BCCI submitted the complaint on Wednesday, and the ICC has acknowledged receipt. An ICC hearing may be convened if Rauf and Farhan deny the allegations, during which they could be required to appear before ICC Elite Panel Referee Richie Richardson. Depending on the outcome, the duo could face sanctions under the ICC code of conduct.
During the match, Rauf allegedly mimicked the downing of a plane to mock India’s military action, while also hurling abuses at Indian openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. Farhan celebrated a half-century with a gun-firing gesture, using his bat as a prop, which drew widespread criticism. Farhan later told reporters, “That celebration was just a moment at that time… I don’t know how people will take it. I don’t care about that.”
In a retaliatory move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly filed a complaint with the ICC against Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav for dedicating India’s victory to the Indian Armed Forces and expressing solidarity with Pahalgam terror attack victims. The PCB labeled the comments as “political,” although such complaints must be filed within seven days of the incident.
Adding to the tension, Asian Cricket Council chairman and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi shared a slow-motion video of Cristiano Ronaldo on ‘X’, implying Rauf’s on-field gesture, further fueling controversy. Naqvi, also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, is known for making provocative statements against India.
With the Indian team now a finalist in the Asia Cup, it remains uncertain whether they will share the podium with the ACC chairman. The matter is under scrutiny by both the BCCI and ICC, and any potential action against Naqvi or the Pakistani players will be decided in due course.
