BCCI’s Complaint Could Lead to Sanctions for Pakistan Cricketers

During the recent Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan, a scandal erupted. Two players from the ‘Shaheens’ allowed themselves to make unacceptable, provocative gestures towards their opponents, which caused an uproar among the fans. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) filed an official complaint with the ICC demanding that the provocateurs be punished.

What happened? 

The intense rivalry between India and Pakistan took place in UAE on September 21. During the game, Sahibzada Farhan reached a score of 50 runs and celebrated by mimicking the action of shooting a gun. The player later stated that his action was impulsive and he did not realize it would be taken so sensitively.

However, Farhan was not the only Pakistani player whose actions provoked a negative reaction from India. During the same match, Haris Rauf mimicked the gesture of a falling airplane, directing it towards the fans of the Men in Blue. They saw this as mockery of the Indian military, given the tensions at the border between the two countries.

Expected consequences 

According to insiders, the ICC has received the complaint and will review it. It is expected that if ‘Shaheens’ formally deny the allegations, they may be called for an official hearing. In the event that the Pakistani cricketers fail to prove that their gestures were not provocative, they may be penalized with fines or suspensions from participating in several matches.