The International Cricket Council has taken significant action against Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf during the 2025 Asia Cup. He used offensive gestures and behaved inappropriately during the match against India.

The controversy that erupted during the India-Pakistan match in the Super Four round of the 2025 Asia Cup caused a stir in the cricket world. Both cricket boards filed complaints against each other's players with the ICC. Suryakumar Yadav attended an ICC hearing on September 25th, where he was reprimanded. The BCCI also filed a complaint with the ICC against Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf, prompting the ICC to take significant action.

ICC action against Pakistan players

Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf made provocative gestures during the Super 4 match against India. Farhan performed a gun celebration after reaching his half-century, while Haris Rauf made a downed plane gesture. Haris Rauf has been fined 30 percent of his match fee by the ICC for offensive gestures and inappropriate behavior. Meanwhile, batsman Sahibzada Farhan was let off with a mere warning for his "gunshot" celebration.

Rauf's actions were against the spirit of the game, leading to a fine. He made a "6-0" gesture, like shooting down a fighter jet, during Team India's batting, which the Indian team deemed sensitive and provocative. The ICC, after investigating the matter, decided to punish Rauf for his behavior. However, Haris Rauf has not been banned. As a result, he will be able to participate in the final match between India and Pakistan.

What did Sahibzada Farhan do?

Sahibzada Farhan played a brilliant innings in this Super Four match. He scored 58 runs off 45 balls. However, after reaching his half-century, he performed a gunshot celebration, a gesture resembling firing a gun on the field. This celebration was considered sensitive in the context of the Pahalgam attack and India's Operation Sindoor. Consequently, the ICC has warned him against repeating such celebrations.

PC:TV9Bharatvarsh