According to reports from Cricbuzz, both players have been penalised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their on-field gestures during the match. Their antics drew widespread attention, criticism, and calls from fans and experts for strict action.
Asia Cup: During the game, Haris Rauf, positioned near the boundary, made a ‘6-0’ gesture and mimicked a plane crash with his hands after the crowd chanted “Kohli Kohli” at him. The actions were linked to claims made by the Pakistan Army, which stated they had downed six Indian planes during a military conflict in April.
Meanwhile, Sahibzada Farhan, after scoring a fifty, celebrated with a ‘gun gesture,’ seemingly mocking the Indian players, who had reportedly refused to shake hands with the Pakistani team. Farhan also dedicated Pakistan’s league-stage win to the country’s Armed Forces.
Following these incidents, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) filed an official complaint with the ICC, prompting disciplinary action against the players.
Asia Cup: Haris Rauf Fined 30% of Match Fees for Plane-Crashing Gesture Against India
Reports state that Haris Rauf and another player were summoned for a hearing by the ICC, where both were found guilty of a Level 1 offence under the Player Code of Conduct. Rauf was specifically penalized for his on-field “plane-crashing” gesture, deemed as bringing the game into disrepute. He has reportedly been fined 30% of his match fees.
The hearing, conducted by Richie Richardson alongside ICC official Sally Higgins, was attended by Haris, Farhan, and team manager Naveed Cheema. It is also reported that Suryakumar Yadav was fined 30% of his match fees for comments made after India’s league-stage game against Pakistan in the Asia Cup.
Asia Cup: All three players will feature again as India and Pakistan prepare to face off in the Asia Cup 2025 final on 28th September in Dubai. This highly anticipated clash marks the first time these two rivals will meet in the tournament final, promising an exciting showdown.
