India has formally lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Pakistani players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for engaging in provocative gestures during the Asia Cup match on September 21. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a counter-complaint against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) submitted its complaint on Wednesday to match referee Andy Pycroft and the ICC, citing unacceptable on-field conduct. Should the players deny the allegations in writing, an ICC hearing is anticipated.
The controversy erupted when Rauf allegedly mocked India’s military actions by gesturing the act of shooting down a plane after Indian supporters chanted “Kohli, Kohli,” referencing memorable sixes hit by Indian player Virat Kohli against him during the 2022 T20 World Cup. Rauf reportedly raised his fingers to indicate “0-6,” alluding to Pakistan’s claims of downing six Indian fighter jets during a border clash earlier in the year following India’s Operation Sindoor. He also reportedly directed abusive remarks toward Indian openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, who responded with their bats.
These actions quickly gained traction on social media, resulting in significant backlash against Rauf from Indian fans. Meanwhile, Sahibzada Farhan was noted for celebrating with a gesture emulating a gunfire action, using his bat and drawing widespread condemnation for being insensitive.
Both players may be called to appear before ICC Elite Panel Referee Richie Richardson for a disciplinary hearing. Conversely, the PCB has previously lodged complaints against Suryakumar Yadav, objecting to his comments following a match on September 14. Yadav’s remarks concerning the Pahalgam incident, where he expressed solidarity with the victims and the armed forces, have been criticized by the Pakistani board for politicizing the tragedy.
The ongoing tensions surrounding these incidents were exacerbated by public criticism in India, where former cricketers, fans, and political commentators have denounced the match against Pakistan as insensitive given the backdrop of heightened Indo-Pak relations following the Pahalgam attack and a brief military confrontation earlier this year.
Tags: India, ICC complaint, Pakistan players, Asia Cup gestures, Suryakumar Yadav
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