BCCI Takes Action After Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan’s Provocative Gestures; PCB Files Counter-Complaint

India’s board has formally escalated on-field flashpoints from the Asia Cup Super Four to the global stage, filing an official complaint with the ICC against Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for provocative gestures during the India–Pakistan clash in Dubai. In a swift counter, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged its own complaint—this time against India captain Suryakumar Yadav—intensifying a volatile off‑field tussle alongside cricket’s fiercest fixture.

What Triggered The Complaint

During the September 21 Super Four match, Haris Rauf was seen making a gesture interpreted as mimicking the downing of an aircraft in response to crowd chants—actions that drew immediate criticism. He was also heard directing verbal abuse towards India’s openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. Sahibzada Farhan, after reaching his fifty, celebrated by pretending to fire a machine gun with his bat—another act widely deemed inappropriate for an international stage.

Farhan later said, “That celebration was just a moment at that time… I don’t know how people will take it. I don’t care about that.”

The BCCI’s Move And The ICC’s Process

The BCCI has submitted a detailed complaint to the ICC, laying out the instances in question. If the players contest the allegations in writing, an ICC hearing is expected before an Elite Panel Match Referee, with Richie Richardson likely to preside. Under the ICC Code of Conduct, sanctions can range from demerit points and fines to suspensions, depending on the level of offence and previous records.

PCB’s Retaliation Against Suryakumar Yadav

In response, the PCB has filed a complaint alleging that Suryakumar Yadav made “political” comments after India’s September 14 game, when he expressed solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and dedicated the win to the Indian Armed Forces involved in Operation Sindoor. A key procedural question now is timing: such complaints typically must be lodged within seven days of the comments.

The Naqvi Twist: A Viral CR7 Video

Further stoking tensions, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi posted a slow-motion Cristiano Ronaldo clip on social media, in which the footballer makes a dipping gesture interpreted by some as echoing Rauf’s “plane” motion. While the football context suggests a free-kick trajectory, the post has raised eyebrows about whether the ACC chair should inflame a sensitive episode. With India already in the Asia Cup final, it remains to be seen whether team officials will share a presentation stage with Naqvi.

Why These Gestures Cross A Line

Cricket’s Code of Conduct bars offensive, obscene, or provocative behavior—especially gestures referencing violence or military actions. Two principles are at stake:

• Respect for opponents and fans in emotionally charged fixtures.

• Protecting the sport’s image in global events beamed to millions.

The ICC has historically acted when on-field celebrations or signals are deemed to incite, demean, or politicize the game.

Likely Scenarios From Here

• Written responses: Rauf and Farhan can explain intent and context; remorse may mitigate penalties.

• Hearing and verdict: If a panel deems the acts code breaches, expect fines and demerit points at minimum.

• PCB complaint timeline: If filed within stipulated time, Suryakumar’s comments will be reviewed; if not, the complaint could fail on procedural grounds.

• ACC optics: Any further public signaling from officials may draw quiet but firm counsel from governing bodies to de‑escalate.

Timeline Of Key Events

• Sep 14: India’s first match vs Pakistan; post‑match remarks from India’s camp become later PCB subject.

• Sep 21: Super Four clash; gestures from Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan spark outrage.

• Sep 24–25: BCCI files official complaint to ICC; PCB responds with protest against Suryakumar.

• Pending: ICC correspondence, potential hearing, and decisions on sanctions.

The Cricketing Bottom Line

India’s openers responded to the provocation with runs, not words. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill set the tone with a blistering stand, placing the result beyond debate. As disciplinary processes run their course, this remains the abiding lesson: in a rivalry this charged, the bat and ball speak loudest.

“It was between bat and ball—and that’s where the result was decided.”