In the build-up to the Asia Cup 2025 final, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has found himself at the center of controversy.

Haris Rauf’s gesture against India sparks controversy

During the heated Super Four clash against India on September 21 in Dubai, Rauf responded to chants from Indian fans with provocative gestures, including a ‘6-0’ sign and a motion mimicking a plane crash. The gestures were widely interpreted as a reference to historic military tensions between India and Pakistan, igniting a storm of criticism and leading to ICC disciplinary action.

ICC penalises Haris Rauf

Following a complaint from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the International Cricket Council (ICC) launched an inquiry. Match referee Richie Richardson ruled Rauf guilty of breaching the code of conduct for “aggressive and unacceptable behaviour.” The bowler was fined 30% of his match fee, amounting to approximately 125,575 Pakistani Rupees (around ₹39,000 INR). Rauf defended himself during the hearing, insisting the gestures were misinterpreted and meant to signal 160 runs rather than provoke Indian fans, but his explanation was dismissed.

PCB chief steps in with personal support for Rauf

In a dramatic gesture of solidarity, PCB chief and the President of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Mohsin Naqvi personally paid Rauf’s fine. Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan players deserve unwavering backing during the emotionally charged India-Pakistan rivalry. “Our players deserve complete support when emotions run high in a contest as intense as this,” he said, underscoring the board’s commitment to standing behind its cricketers. The move has been widely interpreted as a sign of Naqvi’s leadership style, blending accountability with strong player support.

Rising off-field tensions between India and Pakistan

The incident has only added fuel to the off-field tensions between the two nations. Indian opener Abhishek Sharma criticized Pakistan’s players for sparking unnecessary confrontations, while the PCB filed a counter-complaint against India captain Suryakumar Yadav for dedicating the earlier group-stage win to the Indian armed forces and victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The ICC also fined Suryakumar 30% of his match fee, while Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan was handed only a warning for his ‘gunshot’ celebration, which he described as a cultural gesture linked to his Pashtun heritage.

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A historic final amid off-field drama

Despite the disciplinary headlines, the focus now shifts to the Asia Cup 2025 final on September 28, which carries historic weight as the first-ever India vs Pakistan final in the tournament’s 41-year history. Both teams have already faced each other three times in as many weeks, intensifying the rivalry. While India registered a dominant six-wicket victory in their last encounter, Pakistan enters the final determined to script redemption.

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