BCCI Files Complaint to ICC Against Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan
Pakistan counters with protest over Suryakumar Yadav’s remarks after Asia Cup clash.
Tensions flared at the Asia Cup Super 4 match in Dubai on September 21, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to file an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Pakistani cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan. The BCCI cited provocative gestures made by the duo during the high-stakes India-Pakistan clash, alleging a breach of the ICC’s code of conduct. The complaint, lodged on Wednesday, is under review, with an ICC hearing expected if Rauf and Farhan deny the allegations in writing. They may need to appear before ICC Elite Panel Referee Richie Richardson.
During the match, Rauf reportedly gestured to mimic an aircraft crashing, interpreted as a taunt referencing India’s military actions, following chants of “Kohli, Kohli” from Indian fans recalling Virat Kohli’s match-winning performance against Rauf in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Rauf also allegedly directed verbal abuse at Indian openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, who responded with strong batting performances. Meanwhile, Sahibzada Farhan’s celebration, involving a gun-firing gesture with his bat after scoring, drew widespread criticism. Farhan defended his actions, stating to reporters, “It was just a moment... I don’t care how people take it.”
In retaliation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a complaint against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for comments made after the September 14 match, dedicating India’s victory to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the Indian Armed Forces. The PCB labelled these remarks “political”, though the timing of their complaint, which must be filed within seven days, remains unclear. Both sets of allegations could lead to sanctions if the players fail to justify their actions at the ICC hearing.
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The controversy escalated when Asian Cricket Council and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi posted a video on X of Cristiano Ronaldo making a gesture resembling Rauf’s, fuelling speculation of provocation. With India advancing to the Asia Cup final, questions linger about potential repercussions for Naqvi and the players involved as the ICC deliberates.
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