Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan, who marked his half-century with a ‘gun-fire’ gesture, was issued a warning but faced no financial penalty.
Haris Rauf Fined, Sahibzada Farhan Warned for Aggressive Gestures
Pakistan paceman Haris Rauf has been fined 30% of his match fees for “abusive language and aggressive gestures” during the Super 4 match against India in the Asia Cup. His teammate, Sahibzada Farhan, who celebrated his half-century with a ‘gun-fire’ gesture, received only a warning without any financial penalty.
The hearing was conducted at the Pakistan team hotel under match referee Richie Richardson, with both players present and statements submitted in writing, alongside team manager Naveed Akram Cheema. The BCCI had filed a formal complaint on Wednesday accusing the players of making provocative gestures ahead of the Asia Cup final on Sunday.
Tensions have escalated during the tournament, following India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan in both the group stage and Super 4 matches, leading to heated altercations in the second innings. Haris Rauf and Farhan had earlier pleaded not guilty during the ICC hearing.
During the Super 4 clash, Farhan’s half-century celebration made headlines, while Haris Rauf reacted aggressively after being teased by fans, mimicking a plane crash and exchanging words with Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma as India chased the total.
Farhan defended his actions in the post-match presentation, saying, “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 don’t know how people will take it. I don’t care about that.”
Pakistan also file a complaint against Suryakumar Yadav
Earlier, Pakistan lodged a complaint against India captain Suryakumar Yadav over his remarks dedicating India’s group stage win to the Pahalgam terror victims and the Indian Armed Forces. After the match, Suryakumar said, “Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile.”
Suryakumar denied any wrongdoing but was reportedly instructed to avoid making statements that could be interpreted as political for the remainder of the tournament.
So far, Pakistan has lost both their matches against India, struggling with both bat and ball. However, after victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the group stage, India and Pakistan are set to clash in the Asia Cup final—a first in the tournament’s history.