The Asia Cup Super 4s encounter between India and Pakistan on September 21 has sparked off-field controversy, with both cricket boards filing formal complaints with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
On Wednesday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lodged an official protest against Pakistani cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan, citing provocative and inappropriate gestures during the high-stakes match. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in turn, filed a counter-complaint against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, accusing him of making political remarks in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor in his September 14 press interaction.
Allegations Against Rauf and Farhan
According to the BCCI’s submission, Haris Rauf was seen imitating a jet crash as Indian fans chanted “Kohli, Kohli,” recalling Virat Kohli’s famous sixes against him in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Rauf also reportedly directed verbal abuse at Indian openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma during his bowling spell.
Meanwhile, Sahibzada Farhan came under scrutiny for celebrating a half-century by pretending to fire a gun with his bat. Speaking to reporters afterward, Farhan defended his act, saying it was spontaneous:
“That celebration was just a moment at that time. I don’t usually celebrate much, but it suddenly came to my mind. I don’t care how people interpret it.”
ICC’s Role and Possible Sanctions
The ICC has confirmed receipt of the BCCI’s complaint. If Rauf and Farhan deny the allegations in writing, the case could proceed to a formal hearing before ICC Elite Panel Referee Richie Richardson. Should their explanations be found unsatisfactory, both players risk sanctions under the ICC Code of Conduct.
The PCB’s grievance against Suryakumar Yadav, meanwhile, hinges on the ICC rule that complaints must be filed within seven days of the remarks being made. Whether the PCB’s submission meets that timeline remains unclear.
Wider Reactions
In a fresh twist, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi posted a slow-motion clip of football star Cristiano Ronaldo on social media platform X. The video appeared to show Ronaldo making a gesture resembling Rauf’s plane-crash celebration, though others interpreted it as a demonstration of a free kick’s curve.
With India having secured a spot in the Asia Cup final, questions remain about whether the team will share the stage with ACC chairman Naqvi amid heightened tensions.
The ICC is yet to issue an official timeline for hearings or decisions, but the controversy has once again spotlighted the challenges of maintaining sportsmanship in one of cricket’s most emotionally charged rivalries.
