BCCI files complaint against Rauf, Sahibzada; PCB protests Suryakumar’s remarks

Dubai, Sep 25: The BCCI has lodged a formal complaint with the ICC against Pakistan players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan over provocative gestures made during the Asia Cup Super 4 clash last Sunday. The complaint, sent on Wednesday, is now with the ICC, and a hearing may be scheduled if the players deny the charges.

In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly filed its own complaint against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, accusing him of making political statements by dedicating his team’s win to the armed forces and victims of the Pahalgam terror attack after the September 14 match. The ICC will also examine the timing and validity of this complaint.

Rauf is alleged to have mocked India’s military action with gestures depicting a plane crash and hurled abuses at Indian openers, while Sahibzada drew criticism for celebrating his fifty with a gun-firing gesture. Both could face sanctions if their explanations fail to satisfy the ICC.

The controversy deepened when ACC chairman and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi shared a video of Cristiano Ronaldo gesturing about a ball’s dip, likened by many to Rauf’s on-field act. The development has raised questions about whether India will share the stage with Naqvi during the Asia Cup final.