India has filed an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for their provocative gestures during the Super 4 match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday, September 21.
According to a PTI report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) submitted the complaint against the duo on Wednesday. A hearing by the ICC is expected to take place if Sahibzada and Rauf deny these allegations in writing. They may be required to appear before the ICC Elite Panel Referee, Richie Richardson, for the hearing.
### Why Did BCCI File a Complaint Against Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan?
During the September 21 match, Haris Rauf made gestures mimicking the downing of a plane, which was seen as mocking India’s military action. This occurred after Indian supporters chanted “Kohli, Kohli.” The pacer was also involved in a war of words with Indian openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma during his bowling spell, with the two youngsters responding emphatically with their bats.
On the other hand, Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his half-century with a gun-firing gesture, an act that drew widespread criticism. Following the match, Sahibzada explained the reason behind his celebration, saying,
> “That celebration was just a moment at that time. I do not do a lot of celebrations after scoring 50. But, it suddenly came to my mind that let’s do a celebration today. I did that. I don’t know how people will take it. I don’t care about that.”
Adding fuel to the controversy, Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi posted a slow-motion video on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) showing Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo gesturing as if an aircraft suddenly crashed. This video appeared to reference the gesture Rauf made on-field during the heated clash between the arch-rivals last Sunday.
The complaint by the BCCI highlights the increasing tension between the teams and the ICC’s role in maintaining the spirit of the game in such high-stakes encounters. Fans and officials now await the ICC’s response and any potential action against the players involved.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/asia-cup-2025-pakistans-haris-rauf-sahibzada-farhan-in-trouble-after-bcci-files-complaint-to-icc-over-provocative-gesture