The Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash between India and Pakistan in Dubai has taken an unexpected turn off the field.
Reports suggest that two Pakistani cricketers, Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan may face disciplinary action after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) filed a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
According to insiders, the complaint was officially sent to the ICC through email on Wednesday. It highlights certain on-field gestures made by the players which the BCCI claims were inappropriate and went against the spirit of the game.
Haris Rauf was the first to come under the spotlight. While fielding near the boundary, he reportedly made hand signals that some interpreted as a reference to past military tensions. His actions immediately drew mixed reactions from fans especially as Indian supporters were chanting Virat Kohli’s name at the time.
Sahibzada Farhan also landed in hot water for how he celebrated his half-century. Instead of a traditional celebration, he mimicked firing a gun with his bat. While some saw it as harmless creativity, others criticized it as overly aggressive and provocative for such a high-pressure match.
The ICC has not yet issued an official statement, but if both players deny the charges, a formal hearing could take place. Veteran match referee Richie Richardson is expected to review the situation.
For now, cricket fans on both sides of the border are debating whether the gestures were lighthearted or offensive. Either way, the controversy has added yet another chapter to the long-running rivalry between India and Pakistan.
