The ‘6-0’ gesture refers to a claim in Pakistan that six Indian Air Force aircraft were allegedly shot down during Operation Sindoor in May.
During the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash in Dubai on Sunday, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf drew attention for making a provocative ‘6-0’ gesture and mimicking a fighter jet toward the crowd. This occurred while Indian fans were chanting “Kohli, Kohli” and cheering aggressively against him.
The ‘6-0’ gesture refers to a claim in Pakistan that six Indian Air Force aircraft were allegedly shot down during Operation Sindoor in May. Rauf had also been seen chanting ‘6-0’ during Pakistan’s training session the day before the match. Fans widely criticised the gesture online, calling it “disgusting” and inappropriate in a sporting context.
On the field, Rauf’s performance was mixed. He took two wickets, including India captain Suryakumar Yadav for a duck. However, he conceded 18 runs in 11 balls to India’s opening pair, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rauf’s reaction to the crowd may have been influenced by his previous memory of being hit for consecutive sixes by Virat Kohli in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Despite Rauf’s gestures, India maintained control of the game. Sharma scored 74 and Gill 47, laying the foundation for a chase of 172 runs. Shivam Dube took key Pakistani wickets, while Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya guided India to a six-wicket win with seven balls to spare.
Rauf was not the only Pakistani athlete to make headlines with provocative gestures. Nashra Sundhu, a Pakistan women’s team star, replicated a similar six-finger gesture during an ODI match against South Africa. She celebrated reaching 100 ODI wickets and shared the gesture on social media, writing, "Alhamdullillah, Truly humbled to reach the milestone of 100 ODI wickets with a player of the match award. I am grateful to my family, teammates, and support staff for their constant support. Looking ahead with gratitude and determination."
Another Pakistani player, Sahibzada Farhan, also made a controversial gesture by holding up his bat like a gun and firing a couple of shots at the crowd after scoring his fifty. These gestures have intensified debates on sportsmanship, with critics arguing that such acts cross the line in professional cricket.
The incidents highlight how the intense India-Pakistan cricket rivalry often spills over into provocative on-field behavior. Fans and former players have criticised these gestures, arguing that symbolic provocations distract from the game and create unnecessary tension.
The ‘6-0’ gesture by Rauf, Nashra Sundhu, and Farhan has become a talking point, attracting as much criticism as attention. Many believe players should maintain decorum on the field, regardless of rivalry or crowd provocations.
