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 Farhan and Haris Rauf deny the allegations in writing. In such a case, they may have to appear before the ICC Elite Panel Referee, Richie Richardson, for the hearing.
### Why Did BCCI File a Complaint Against Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan?
During the September 21 match, Haris Rauf made gestures to mimic the bringing down of a plane, which was seen as mocking India’s military action. This act came after Indian supporters chanted “Kohli, Kohli” at the venue. Rauf was also involved in a war of words with Indian openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma during his bowling spell, to which both young Indian batsmen responded confidently.
On the other hand, Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his half-century with a gun-firing gesture, a celebration that attracted widespread criticism. Speaking after the match, Sahibzada explained his reason behind the celebration, stating,
> “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.”
### Additional Controversy
Adding fuel to the fire, Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Asian Cricket Council, stirred further debate on Wednesday by posting a slow-motion video of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter). In the video, Ronaldo is seen making a gesture simulating an aircraft crashing—similar to the gesture Haris Rauf made on the field during the high-tension match between the arch-rivals.
The incident has sparked discussions around sportsmanship and the spirit of the game, with the ICC expected to take necessary action after reviewing the complaint from the BCCI. Fans and officials alike await the outcome of the hearing, which could have implications for the ongoing tournament.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/asia-cup-2025-pakistans-haris-rauf-sahibzada-farhan-in-trouble-after-bcci-files-complaint-to-icc-over-provocative-gesture