Asia Cup 2025: BCCI Lodges Complaint Against Farhan and Rauf

In a fresh flashpoint during the Asia Cup 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the match referee over the conduct of Pakistani players Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf during the Super Four match on September 21.

According to BCCI sources, the complaint accuses both players of crossing the line of acceptable on-field behaviour through “inappropriate gestures” and provocative celebrations. The Indian side has demanded strict disciplinary action, arguing that such conduct undermines the spirit of the game. 

Farhan’s Controversial Celebration

During Pakistan’s innings, Farhan came under criticism for marking his half-century by raising his bat in a gun-style gesture. Many observers deemed the move insensitive and politically provocative, especially given the India–Pakistan rivalry and broader regional sensitivities.

Rauf’s Gestures and Alleged Provocation

Later in the match, Haris Rauf also drew scrutiny. After dismissing Sanju Samson, Rauf’s body language was considered aggressive, and while positioned near the boundary, he appeared to respond to crowd jeering by making a “0-6” finger sign. That gesture has been interpreted by critics as referencing contentious political and military claims between the two nations. Additionally, he was accused of directing offensive comments at India’s openers during his bowling spell. 

Wider Context and Counter-Complaints

This filing is not isolated. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had earlier lodged its own complaint against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, objecting to remarks he made after India’s earlier match—remarks which PCB claimed were political in nature. The retaliatory exchange underscores how the contest is as much about on-field performance as it is about off-field narratives in the high-stakes India–Pakistan rivalry.

With the complaint now in ICC hands, both Farhan and Rauf may be summoned to explain their actions. If they deny the allegations, a formal hearing could be convened under the ICC’s code of conduct. The match referee and ICC will determine whether sanctions or reprimands are warranted.

As Asia Cup 2025 proceeds, this controversy is likely to remain a talking point—not just among fans, but within cricket’s governance circles. The line between emotional expression and unacceptable provocation is fragile, and how the ICC adjudicates this will set an important precedent for player conduct in future India–Pakistan encounters.

This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here