The International Cricket Council, could take action against Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf of Pakistan for their gestures in the Asia Cup 2025 match against India. The ICC summoned both players after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) submitted an official complaint. This came after a match between bitter rivals packed with tension on and off the field.

India dominated the matches, off-field actions also grabbed attention. Reportedly, the Indian team and captain Suryakumar Yadav, specifically, did not shake hands with Pakistan. In response, some Pakistani players, especially Rauf and Farhan, performed gestures that were seen as politically influenced. These acts sparked discussions and brought the matter to the ICC’s notice.

Sahibzada Farhan performed the “Bazooka” celebration, which some people thought was a political jab at India. However, Farhan told the ICC that there was no political intention. He explained that even Indian players like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni have done similar celebrations in the past.

ICC Sanctions and Updates

Journalist Nikhil Naz reported that Farhan might lose 50 to 100 per cent of his match fees as punishment. Haris Rauf, who mocked Indian fans by referring to unverified Pakistan Air Force claims of downing six Indian jets, could face a similar penalty. But neither player is expected to be suspended.

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Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav could also face a penalty of 15 per cent of his match fees for his comments about the Pahalgam terror attack after the India-Pakistan group-stage clash. Despite all the off-field controversies, both teams are now focusing on the Asia Cup 2025 final on September 28.

Update: According to PTI, the ICC has classified the incident as a level 1 offence. Haris Rauf has been fined 30 per cent of his match fees for abusive gestures, while Sahibzada Farhan received only a warning.