The BRICS TimesBCCI sent video clips to match referee Andy Pycroft, urging strict disciplinary action against Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan’s on-field gestures.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lodged an official protest against Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan after their controversial gestures during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash in Dubai. Along with their complaint, BCCI provided video proof demanding stern action against the players.
As reported by Dainik Jagran, the Indian team pressed match referee Andy Pycroft to take “strict action” against both cricketers for what they described as “provocative and indecent behaviour” during last Sunday’s high-voltage encounter at Dubai International Stadium.
Rauf repeatedly responded to Indian fans chanting “Kohli, Kohli” from the stands. While fielding near the boundary and later after dismissing Sanju Samson, he mimicked a fighter jet and displayed ‘6-0’. This gesture was linked to a propaganda claim alleging that six Indian Air Force planes were downed during Operation Sindoor in May. Meanwhile, opener Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his half-century with a gun-firing gesture, which further triggered controversy.
The fiery pacer also engaged in heated exchanges with Indian batters Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill during their partnership, drawing further objection from the Indian camp.
A BCCI official told the publication, “Such on-field behaviour is against the spirit of the game. We have complained to Andy Pycroft about this and demand strict action. Not only has an official complaint been made to Pycroft, but videos of Rauf and Sahibzada have also been attached to the email.” The official emphasized that the board considers the actions deliberate and unacceptable.
So far, Pakistan has avoided commenting on the incident. However, when pacer Shaheen Afridi was questioned about the matter during a pre-match press conference before their clash with Bangladesh, he remarked: “Our job is to play cricket; people can think what they want. We are here to win the Asia Cup. We are trying our best to fulfil Pakistan’s hopes.”
