Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan cricket boards after a heated Asia Cup Super 4 clash on September 21. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lodged an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Pakistan players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for making provocative on-field gestures during the match. The ICC has acknowledged receiving the complaint and is expected to hold a hearing if the players deny the allegations. Both cricketers may be called to explain their actions before ICC Elite Panel referee Richie Richardson and could face sanctions if found guilty of breaching the code of conduct.
The BCCI complaint cites Rauf’s airplane-crash gesture, allegedly mocking India’s past military operations, and abusive language directed at Indian openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. Farhan is accused of celebrating his half-century with a “machine-gun” gesture using his bat, which drew widespread criticism. Farhan later told reporters that the celebration was spontaneous and not meant to offend.
In a counter move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly filed a complaint against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav. The PCB claims Surya made “political” remarks by dedicating India’s victory to soldiers involved in Operation Sindoor and expressing solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The timing of the PCB’s complaint remains unclear, though such filings must be made within seven days of the incident.
Adding to the controversy, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi shared a slow-motion video of football star Cristiano Ronaldo making a gesture similar to Rauf’s, further fuelling tensions. The ICC will now review both complaints before deciding on possible disciplinary action.
