Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has been fined 30 per cent of his match fees for his inflammatory gestures against Indian fans during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match against India on September 21. Rauf indulged in the inflammatory ‘6-0’ gesture towards Indian fans and simulated a plane crashing down from the sky, gestures that roused universal outrage from cricketing circles.
The Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) filed an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC), which led to a disciplinary hearing under the chairmanship of match referee Richie Richardson.
Is Sahibzada Farhan Fined?
In contrast to Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan was warned following his ‘gunshot’ celebration in the same match. Sources showed that Farhan justified his actions, affirming that the gesture was a “traditional way of celebrating in his ethnic Pakhtun tribe” back home in Pakistan. He also quoted that well-known players such as Virat Kohli have made similar celebratory gestures in international matches.
How Did the ICC Hearing Go?
Both Rauf and Farhan presented themselves before Richie Richardson in person at the team hotel, although they had submitted written answers to the ICC prior. They were accompanied by Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema. Both players pleaded not guilty to charges of violating the ICC’s code of conduct at the hearing.
A tournament official speaking on condition of anonymity informed PTI, “Match referee Richie Richardson had concluded his hearing on Friday afternoon. Haris Rauf has been fined 30 per cent of his match fees for aggressive behavior, while Farhan has been let off with a warning.”
Was India Involved in Any Controversy?
The hearing also came around to addressing a complaint lodged by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) against India captain Suryakumar Yadav. This complaint had come up after Yadav had offered India’s group-stage victory over Pakistan to the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
As per reports, Yadav was presented with video footage of his press conference and confirmed making the remarks. The ICC asked him to avoid making political remarks in official statements in the future, keeping cricketing events strictly about sports and not politics.
What’s Next for the Asia Cup?
The Asia Cup 2025 has witnessed increased tensions between India and Pakistan on and off the cricket field. With the fine on Haris Rauf and the warning issued to Farhan, the ICC has issued a strong message highlighting compliance with the spirit of cricket. The fans, analysts, as well as the teams, are now anxiously waiting to observe how both parties behave during the make-or-break last game that is programmed later this month.
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson has kept an eye on performance and said that his team is more concerned with playing good cricket despite disciplinary actions and previous gestures being in the limelight.
