Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai

Dubai, Sep 25: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has filed an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for alleged provocative gestures during the Asia Cup Super 4 clash in Dubai last Sunday. The ICC has acknowledged receipt of the complaint, and a hearing is expected if the players deny the allegations, with ICC Elite Panel Referee Richie Richardson likely to preside.

During the September 21 encounter, Rauf allegedly mocked India’s military action with gestures depicting the downing of a plane after Indian fans chanted “Kohli, Kohli,” recalling Virat Kohli’s famous sixes off him in the 2022 T20 World Cup. He was also accused of hurling abuses at Indian openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. Sahibzada Farhan, meanwhile, celebrated a fifty with a gun-firing gesture using his bat, drawing widespread criticism. Farhan later told reporters, “It suddenly came to my mind that let’s do a celebration today… I don’t care how people take it.”

In a counter move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly complained to the ICC against Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav for dedicating the victory to the Indian Armed Forces after the September 14 match, terming his remarks “political.” The ICC will examine whether the complaint was filed within the mandatory seven-day window.

Adding to the tension, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi posted a cryptic Cristiano Ronaldo video on X, showing the football star mimicking a plane crash—similar to Rauf’s alleged on-field gesture. The post has sparked further outrage, and it remains uncertain whether the Indian team will share the stage with Naqvi at the Asia Cup final presentation.

The ICC is expected to investigate all complaints, and both Rauf and Farhan could face sanctions under the ICC Code of Conduct if found guilty.