BCCI Files Complaint With ICC Against Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan for Provocative Gestures

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 for their provocative gestures during the fiery Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash on September 21 . The complaint, which the ICC has reportedly acknowledged, escalates the off-field tensions that have marred the encounters between the arch-rivals in the tournament .

The BCCI’s complaint centers on two specific incidents that drew widespread criticism. Pakistani opener Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his half-century with a “gun celebration,” using his bat to mimic firing a machine gun . Later in the match, fast bowler Haris Rauf, seemingly rattled by Indian fans chanting “Kohli, Kohli,” made gestures depicting a plane being shot down, an act widely interpreted as mocking India’s military actions . Rauf was also involved in verbal clashes with Indian openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma during their match-winning partnership .

Farhan, however, showed no remorse for his celebration, telling reporters it was a “spur of the moment” decision. “I don’t know how people will take it. I don’t care about that,” he said . Both players may now have to appear before an ICC match referee for a hearing and could face sanctions under the code of conduct if they are unable to justify their actions .

The situation has been further inflamed by reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a counter-complaint against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for his comments dedicating a previous victory to the Indian armed forces involved in “Operation Sindoor,” which the PCB alleges were “political” . The tit-for-tat complaints have turned the Asia Cup into a battleground that extends far beyond the cricket field .