India has officially complained to the ICC about Pakistani cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for their provocative gestures during the Asia Cup Super 4 game last Sunday. It is understood that
the BCCI submitted the complaint on Wednesday, and the ICC has acknowledged receipt of the email.
Also Read: PCB Files Complaint Against Suryakumar Yadav
An ICC hearing is expected if Sahibzada and Rauf deny these allegations in writing. They may have to appear before the ICC Elite Panel Referee Richie Richardson for a hearing.
During the September 21 match, Rauf made gestures mimicking the downing of a plane to mock India’s military action after Indian supporters chanted “Kohli, Kohli,” referencing the match-winning sixes that the Indian legend hit off the pacer at MCG during a T20 World Cup game in 2022.
He also hurled abuses at Indian openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma during his bowling spell, to which the two youngsters responded with their bats.
Sahibzada, in the same match, celebrated with a gun-firing gesture using his bat as a machine gun prop, which has been widely criticised.
Farhan explained after the match, “That celebration was just a moment at that time. I do not do a lot of celebrations after scoring 50. But, it suddenly came to my mind that let’s do a celebration today. I did that. I don’t know how people will take it. I don’t care about that.”
Both Rauf and Sahibzada will have to explain their gestures at the ICC hearing, and if they cannot justify their actions, they could face sanctions as per the code of conduct.