The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has filed an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for their on-field gestures during the Asia Cup Super Fours match last Sunday.
The move adds another layer of controversy to the high-voltage India-Pakistan clashes that have dominated the tournament.
BCCI Lodges Complaint Over Gestures
According to reports, the BCCI filed the complaint via email on Wednesday, and the ICC has acknowledged receipt. The complaint centers on Farhan’s animated celebration after reaching his half-century and Rauf’s gestures towards fans while fielding on the boundary line.
Both incidents quickly went viral on social media, sparking debates about on-field behaviour in pressure-filled games.
Possible ICC hearing
If Farhan and Rauf deny the allegations in writing, the ICC may call a formal hearing. Match referee Richie Richardson would oversee proceedings. Andy Pycroft is the other referee on duty during the Asia Cup.
The disciplinary process could see both players appear before the match referee to defend their actions.
India’s response to on-field tensions
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged the heated nature of the encounter but praised his side for their composure.
"Let me first say, the amount of pressure that's been heaped on the players because of the situation, it's very difficult to control your behaviour," ten Doeschate said.
"I did see some of the things Haris did and that's not our concern. Like I said earlier, we're really proud of how the guys carried themselves. They fought fire with their bats on the field. Other teams may have had issues with some of the things we've done. But from our side, we're proud of how the guys have carried themselves."
He further noted that while other teams may take issue with certain gestures, India’s players remained focused on their cricket.
PCB’s counter-complaint against Yadav
The controversy comes against the backdrop of another complaint -- this time from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) against India captain Suryakumar Yadav.
After India’s win over Pakistan in the group stage on September 14, Yadav had dedicated the victory to the victims of the Pahalgam attack.
The PCB argued that his comments were “political” and violated ICC’s neutrality guidelines. The situation was further inflamed when Indian and Pakistani players avoided shaking hands before and after the match -- an episode dubbed “handshakegate.”
Heated exchanges on field
The Super Fours clash itself was tense, featuring heated exchanges between Pakistan fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf with Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill.
These flashpoints highlight how political and sporting rivalries continue to overlap whenever the two cricketing giants meet.
