The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lodged an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Pakistani cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan. The issue stems from gestures made during the Asia Cup Super Fours match on Sunday.
Complaint Filed with ICC
According to reports, the BCCI submitted the complaint via email on Wednesday. The ICC has confirmed receiving the complaint. Officials stated the grievance focused on Farhan’s animated half-century celebration and Rauf’s gestures toward fans near the boundary line.
Both incidents went viral on social media, triggering debates about player conduct during high-pressure encounters.
Possible ICC Hearing
If the accused players deny the allegations in writing, the ICC may call a hearing. Match referee Richie Richardson would oversee the proceedings. Andy Pycroft, also on duty during the Asia Cup, may assist in the process.
The disciplinary pathway could require both Rauf and Farhan to appear before the referee to defend their behaviour.
India’s Response to On-Field Tensions
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted the game carried immense pressure but praised his players’ composure.
He stated, “It is very difficult to control behaviour in such conditions. We are proud of our team’s discipline.” He further stressed that India focused on cricket despite provocations.
PCB’s Counter-Complaint Against Yadav
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed its own complaint against India captain Suryakumar Yadav. After India’s group-stage win on September 14, Yadav dedicated the victory to victims of the Pahalgam attack.
The PCB argued that Yadav’s comments breached ICC neutrality guidelines by bringing political issues into the game. The incident escalated after players from both sides avoided handshakes before and after the contest, an episode labelled “handshakegate.”
Heated Exchanges During Match
The Super Fours clash also witnessed fiery moments. Pakistan fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf exchanged words with Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill.
These flashpoints illustrate how political and sporting rivalries often overlap when India and Pakistan face each other on the cricket field.
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