Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has come under fire for making provocative gestures towards Indian fans during the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match against India on September 21. A video circulating on social media shows Rauf, while fielding near the boundary, responding to chants with hand signals interpreted as mocking Indian military losses. The incident occurred amid India's six-wicket victory, further highlighting tensions in the high-stakes encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The footage captures Rauf making a "6-0" sign with his hands, followed by gestures simulating crashing planes. Fans and observers linked this to Pakistan's unverified claims of downing six Indian fighter jets during the 2019 aerial skirmish following India's Balakot airstrike (referred to in some reports as Operation Sindoor, though officially known as Operation Balakot). The airstrike targeted alleged terrorist camps in response to the Pulwama attack, leading to a brief military standoff where both sides made conflicting claims about aircraft losses—India reported downing a Pakistani F-16, while Pakistan claimed two Indian jets, but only one MiG-21 was confirmed lost. Rauf's actions came as fans chanted "Virat Kohli", recalling the Indian batter's two sixes off Rauf in the 2022 T20 World Cup, which helped India secure a dramatic win.
Similar behaviour was noted during Pakistan's training session at the ICC Academy in Dubai ahead of the match. While playing football, players reportedly chanted "6-0" after one team took a lead, in the presence of Indian journalists. This raised questions about intent, as it echoed the military reference rather than the game score. Critics argue such gestures blur the line between sports and politics, despite calls from Pakistani cricketers and officials to keep the two separate.
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The episode has fuelled online debates, with Indian fans expressing anger and calling for action from cricket authorities. Pakistan suffered their second defeat in the tournament, setting up a potential rematch with India in the final if both advance. Rauf, who went wicketless in the game, has not commented publicly. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to respond, but past incidents of on-field misconduct have led to fines or warnings. As bilateral cricket between the nations remains suspended due to political tensions, Asia Cup clashes continue to carry extra emotional weight.
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