ICC to Fine Haris Rauf & Sahibzada Farhan After BCCI Complaint Over Asia Cup Gestures
In a major development ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly set to impose heavy fines on Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for their controversial gestures during the high-voltage clash against India. The disciplinary move follows an official complaint lodged by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), sparking further scrutiny of the players’ conduct.
The Incidents That Sparked Controversy
While the India–Pakistan cricket rivalry has always carried enormous hype, the recent encounters have been marred by heated political undertones. After India’s emphatic win, captain Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates declined to shake hands with the Pakistani side, a move that was widely debated across media.
In response, Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his half-century with a “Bazooka” gesture, which many interpreted as politically charged. Farhan, however, defended himself during an ICC inquiry, insisting that his actions were purely celebratory and not intended to provoke. He even cited examples of past celebrations by Indian legends Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni to justify his stance.
On the other hand, Haris Rauf courted controversy by gesturing “6-0” with his hands while fielding near the boundary line, alluding to Pakistan’s unverified claim of downing six Indian fighter jets during Operation Sindoor. He further fuelled the fire by mimicking a jet crash when Indian fans chanted “Kohli, Kohli.”
ICC’s Disciplinary Measures
According to senior journalist Nikhil Naz, the ICC has taken a serious view of the incidents. While no suspensions are on the cards, both Rauf and Farhan are expected to face financial sanctions ranging from 50 to 100 per cent of their match fees.
“Farhan is likely to be fined heavily despite his defense, while Rauf will also be docked a large portion of his match fee for his politically influenced gestures,” reported Naz.
Meanwhile, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav is also under the ICC’s scanner after dedicating India’s group-stage win to the families of the Pahalgam terror attack victims and the Indian armed forces. He could face a 15 per cent match fee deduction for making politically sensitive remarks during the post-match presentation.
High Stakes Ahead of the Final
The controversy comes just days before the Asia Cup 2025 final on September 28, where India and Pakistan will clash once again in what promises to be another emotionally charged encounter. While the cricket has been dominated by India so far, the off-field tensions and disciplinary actions have only intensified the drama surrounding this marquee rivalry.
As the countdown begins for the final, the ICC’s decision to impose fines rather than suspensions ensures that both Rauf and Farhan will be available for selection, keeping the contest at full strength. However, the sanctions send a clear message that political gestures and provocative celebrations have no place in international cricket.
