Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan were called in for a hearing before ICC match referee Ritchie Richardson after the Indian cricket board (BCCI) raised objections to their on-field celebrations during the Asia Cup Super Fours clash in Dubai.
According to insiders, both players firmly rejected claims that their actions carried political or offensive intent. Sahibzada Farhan explained that his post–half-century celebration reflected cultural traditions and had nothing to do with India. “This is simply how it is expressed in Pashtun culture,” he clarified during the session.
Haris Rauf, meanwhile, addressed questions about his six-finger sign. Instead of offering a direct explanation, he countered the inquiry with, “What do you think this means?” In his written reply, Rauf maintained there was no evidence to prove the gesture was inappropriate. He further stated that it was aimed at entertaining fans.
The BCCI’s complaint, sent earlier in the week, has already been acknowledged by the ICC. While the matter gained traction on social media the match referee reportedly gave no ruling during the session, leaving the issue pending further review.
For now, both cricketers continue to stand by their stance that the gestures were innocent, celebratory and not meant to offend anyone.
