Ind vs Pak in Asia Cup 2025: ICC punishes Haris Rauf with fine, Sahibzada Farhan reprimanded

Pakistan paceman Haris Rauf has been fined 30% of his match fees for using “abusive language and aggressive gestures” during the Super 4 match against India in the Asia Cup. His teammate, Sahibzada Farhan, who celebrated his half-century in the same match with a ‘gun-fire’ gesture, received a warning but no financial penalty.

The hearing took place at the Pakistan team hotel under match referee Richie Richardson. Both players were present, though their statements were submitted in writing, and team manager Naveed Akram Cheema also attended.

On Wednesday, the BCCI lodged a formal complaint accusing the two players of making provocative gestures. The two sides are set to meet again in the Asia Cup final on Sunday.

The tournament has intensified the rivalry between India and Pakistan, particularly after India refused to shake hands with Pakistan during the group stage match. The same occurred in the Super 4 match, where Pakistan players also engaged in heated altercations during India’s second innings.

Earlier, Rauf and Farhan had pleaded not guilty during their ICC hearing regarding their alleged provocative actions, according to tournament sources.

During the Super 4 match, Farhan celebrated his half-century with a ‘gun-fire’ gesture, which attracted widespread attention. Rauf, meanwhile, was taunted by the crowd while fielding near the boundary, prompting him to make aggressive gestures.

Indian fans also erupted in ‘Kohli, Kohli’ chants, recalling the match-winning sixes he hit off Rauf at the MCG during the 2022 T20 World Cup. Angered by the crowd, Rauf responded with gestures mimicking a plane crash, seemingly mocking India’s military operations. He also had heated exchanges with Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma as they dominated Pakistan’s bowlers during the chase.

Responding to the criticism, Farhan said in the post-match presentation that he wasn’t concerned about how his celebration was perceived, explaining that it was done in the heat of the moment.

Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan had also filed a complaint against India captain Suryakumar Yadav for dedicating the group stage win to the Pahalgam terror victims and the Indian Armed Forces.

“Taking the time out on the perfect occasion, we stand with the families of the Pahalgam terror victims. We express our solidarity and dedicate the win to our armed forces, who showed immense bravery. We hope they continue to inspire us, and we aim to give them more reasons to smile through our performances,” Suryakumar said after the match.

Suryakumar denied any wrongdoing but was reportedly instructed to avoid making statements that could be interpreted as political for the remainder of the tournament.