Dubai: Tensions rise after gesture row in Asia Cup clash

The Asia Cup Super 4 game between India and Pakistan in Dubai on September 21 has sparked an international cricket controversy, with both boards filing official complaints to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lodged a complaint against Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf and opener Sahibzada Farhan, accusing them of making provocative gestures during the high-voltage encounter. In retaliation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly filed a complaint against India captain Suryakumar Yadav for dedicating his team’s victory to the Indian Armed Forces.

Rauf and Farhan under ICC scanner

According to sources, the BCCI complaint was filed on Wednesday and the ICC has acknowledged receiving it. If the players deny the charges, they may face a hearing before ICC Elite Panel Referee Richie Richardson.

Rauf allegedly mocked India’s military action by making gestures depicting the bringing down of an aircraft after Indian fans chanted “Kohli, Kohli” in reference to Virat Kohli’s memorable sixes against him in the 2022 T20 World Cup. He was also accused of verbally abusing Indian openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma during his spell.

Farhan, meanwhile, celebrated his half-century with a gun-firing gesture using his bat, drawing criticism worldwide. Later, he defended himself, saying, “It suddenly came to my mind that let’s do a celebration today. I don’t care how people take it.”

Both players could face sanctions if they fail to justify their actions at the ICC hearing.

Pakistan retaliates with complaint against Suryakumar

In a tit-for-tat move, the PCB has lodged a complaint against India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, alleging that his post-match remarks were “political.” After India’s September 14 win, Suryakumar had dedicated the victory to the Indian Armed Forces engaged in Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack.

PCB claims this breached ICC’s code against political statements, though the timing of their complaint remains under scrutiny, as such complaints must be filed within seven days of the incident.

Naqvi fuels row with cryptic video

The row escalated further when Asian Cricket Council chairman and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi posted a video on X showing Cristiano Ronaldo gesturing as if a plane crashed — reminiscent of Rauf’s on-field actions. While Ronaldo’s gesture was likely football-related, the timing of Naqvi’s post raised eyebrows.

Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, is known for provocative remarks, and his post has added to the already simmering tension.

Awaiting ICC decision

With India already through to the Asia Cup final, questions remain about whether the Indian team will share the stage with Naqvi, who will preside as ACC chairman.

The ICC is expected to examine both complaints, with hearings likely to determine whether Rauf, Farhan, or Suryakumar breached the Code of Conduct. For now, the cricketing world watches closely as off-field controversies threaten to overshadow on-field performances.