Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi has decided to personally pay the fine imposed on fast bowler Haris Rauf following the tense Pakistan-India clash at the Asia Cup.
Sources revealed on Friday that the PCB chairman, in a gesture of support, will personally cover the financial penalty. This move highlights Naqvi’s backing for the national cricketer at a time when emotions are running high both on and off the field.
The incident occurred during the high-voltage Pakistan-India match on September 14, when Haris Rauf and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav were both fined 30 percent of their match fees. The International Cricket Council (ICC) found both players guilty of breaching the Code of Conduct.
According to details, the on-field exchange between the two players escalated when Yadav made remarks referencing a recent military skirmish between the two countries.
Haris Rauf, visibly provoked, responded, and the altercation was immediately noted by officials. While Rauf accepted the sanction without contest, Yadav’s not-guilty plea was dismissed by match referee Richie Richardson after reviewing the matter.
The decision to fine both players was seen as an attempt by the ICC to maintain discipline and ensure that political and military tensions between the two nations do not spill over into the sporting arena.
However, Naqvi’s decision to shoulder Rauf’s fine personally has drawn attention, signaling the board’s strong commitment to stand behind its players.
The rivalry between Pakistan and India extends beyond cricket, with the recent war in May intensifying nationalist sentiments. The Asia Cup clash, already one of the most anticipated fixtures in international cricket, carried additional weight given the political backdrop.
By covering the fine, Naqvi has not only demonstrated solidarity with Haris Rauf but also sought to ease the pressure on the player, allowing him to stay focused on his performance rather than the financial penalty.
