The heat between India and Pakistan in the Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2025 was not limited to the ball and bat—due to Rauf and Farhan’s insinuations and Suryakumar Yadav’s comments, both boards filed formal complaints with the ICC.
The following two cricketers of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan Radhchitak, made some actions during the match which were considered as “provocative gestures” according to the Indian Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Rauf first gestured to shoot down a plane in response to Indian fans chanting “Kohli, Kohli” and then raised his finger to show “0-6”, which Pakistan claims is a reference to the downing of an Indian plane during the border clash last May.
On the other hand, Farhan used his bat like a gun to celebrate his half-century and simulated “gun fire”, which sparked widespread condemnation.
Meanwhile After the match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said that he dedicated India’s victory to the families of the victims of the Pahalgam attack and to the Indian armed forces who worked in the reality of Operation Sindoor. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) described the comments as “politically motivated” and alleged that such statements by Suryakumar were increasing psychological tension outside the field of play.
The BCCI has already filed a complaint with the ICC against Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan, alleging that their gestures and celebrations violated the Code of Conduct.
The PCB has protested against Suryakumar’s comments, saying that such speeches are bringing politics into sports.
The ICC is considering a hearing on the allegations; if Rauf and Farhan deny the allegations in writing, they could be required to appear before ICC Elite Panel referee Richie Richardson and face disciplinary action under the Code of Conduct.
The incident has sparked a social and political debate among cricket fans, with many saying that sports should be kept separate from politics, while others say it is understandable that cricketers sometimes overreact in the heat of competition.
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