By Manisha Sahu, America News World
Updated:- 25 September 2025
The cricketing world has been thrown into another flare of controversy after India’s Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially lodged a complaint with match referee Andy Pycroft and the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking stringent action against Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan. The allegations stem from what India claims were “provocative and indecent” gestures during the high-voltage Super Four encounter between the sides in the Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai International Stadium. Video evidence accompanies the complaint.
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On 21 September, during the India vs Pakistan Super Four match, emotions ran high. Indian spectators repeatedly chanted “Kohli, Kohli”, referencing past matches. In response:
Haris Rauf, the Pakistan fast bowler, is accused of mimicking a fighter jet gesture while fielding near the boundary ropes, as well as after taking the wicket of Sanju Samson. He also displayed a “6-0” hand signal directed toward Indian fans. These actions are alleged to reference “Operation Sindoor” ‒ a claim that six Indian Air Force aircraft were shot down in May, which Indian authorities dispute.
Sahibzada Farhan, Pakistan opener, is said to have celebrated reaching his fifty with a “gun-firing” gesture, using his bat as a prop.
Additionally, the BCCI claims Rauf exchanged words with Indian batters Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma when they were batting together. This, India says, compounded what they consider to be deliberate provocation.
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India alleges that such conduct breaches the spirit of the game and the ICC Code of Conduct. In its complaint, the BCCI has reportedly attached video recordings of both Gestures/celebrations as proof.
BCCI’s Position: India insists these were intentional, unacceptable provocations that tarnish sportsmanship. They want strict disciplinary action. The complaint has been sent to Andy Pycroft, the match referee, and ICC. India is preparing for possible hearings.
Pakistan Camp: So far, the Pakistan side has mostly refrained from issuing strong denials. Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, in a press conference before their match against Bangladesh, defended Rauf and Farhan by saying that they are there “to play cricket,” and that people can interpret actions as they want. He said the team is focused on winning the Asia Cup.
ICC: As per media reports, the ICC has acknowledged receipt of the complaint from BCCI. If the accused players respond by denying the charges in writing, they may be required to attend a hearing, which could be presided over by a member of the ICC’s Elite Panel of Referee.
Disciplinary Action
If found guilty under the ICC Code of Conduct, both Rauf and Farhan could face sanctions ranging from fines to suspensions, depending on severity and intent shown. A formal hearing could bring repercussions that affect their participation in upcoming matches.
Sporting Relations
Incidents of this type tend to inflame already sensitive India-Pakistan cricketing ties. They add off-field tension to on-field rivalry, possibly affecting crowd behaviour, media narratives, and public sentiment.
Code of Conduct & Precedent
How the ICC handles this case may set a benchmark for interpreting “provocative gestures” and what constitutes violation of the spirit of the game. There have been prior cases of celebrations or gestures crossing lines, but this one involves political overtones and accusations of disrespect. It raises the question: where should the line be drawn?
Many cricket analysts and fans have pointed out that in a match as charged as India vs Pakistan, emotions are always on edge. But the BCCI’s complaint suggests that these gestures were beyond mere heat of the moment.
Former cricketers and commentators have weighed in, some calling for strict punishment, others urging cooler heads and reminding all parties of sportsmanship. The incident has also led to comparisons of past controversies in bilateral matches.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has filed its own counter-complaint with the ICC, demanding scrutiny of Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s remarks after an earlier group match, where he expressed solidarity with terror attack victims and dedicated a victory to the Indian Armed Forces. PCB claims this was political. Whether that complaint is upheld or dismissed will also be watched closely.
The ICC may call for a hearing. If Rauf and/or Farhan deny the allegations, they may need to appear before an ICC referee, possibly Richie Richardson or another Elite Panel Referee.
Evidence (videos, umpire and referee reports, witness statements) will be reviewed to decide whether the gestures and behaviour amount to breaches under the Code of Conduct.
The disciplinary committee will decide on penalties, which could involve fines, warnings, or match bans depending on the finding.
The match between India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2025 was not just a contest of cricketing skill—it has also become a flashpoint for questions about boundaries, sportsmanship, and what is acceptable in high-emotion cricket. The BCCI’s complaint underscores how seriously India views the gestures by Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan. As ICC investigations begin, the cricket world will be watching closely—not only for what happens to the players involved, but for how these incidents might redefine conduct in future rivalries.