PCB files complaint with ICC against Arshdeep Singh’s inappropriate gestures: Report

The cricketing community is gearing up for one of this year's biggest matches, the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium, but right before the highly-anticipated match, off-field controversy appears to steal its interrupts the attention.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Arshdeep Singh, India’s left-arm fast-bowler, for allegedly gesturing inappropriately during the Super Four match between the two rival nations.

What Occurred?

According to reports, the alleged incident occurred on September 21, following India’s Super Four victory over Pakistan. Video of Arshdeep possibly gesturing into the crowd was shared on social media and subsequently led to outrage across the border.

The PCB claimed in their complaint how Arshdeep’s actions were “unsportsmanlike, inappropriate and in breach of the ICC Code of Conduct,” and they implored the ICC to pursue strict disciplinary action, as the bowler’s actions undermined the ‘spirit of cricket’.

Although the ICC has not formally announced any publication of the complaint, some reports state that there has improved apprehension of an outcome for the action that Arshdeep is alleged to been done. 

A Tournament Plagued by Issues

The Asia Cup has not been free from controversy. Earlier in the tournament:

• Haris Rauf was penalized with a 30% fine on his match fee for making an incendiary gesture to fans after a complaint by the BCCI. The PCB has confirmed it will be appealing the penalty.
• Suryakumar Yadav, who was captain of India, was also fined 30% of his match fee for dedicating India’s group-stage win to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, which the PCB deemed to be “politically charged.” Although the BCCI defended Surya’s comments as patriotic, the ICC upheld the fine and warned him about political comments in the future.

These incidents signal how high-stakes this Asia Cup was becoming, losing temper on and off the field.

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Mind Games or Legitimate Complaints?

Cricket experts continue to remain divided on whether or not the PCB’s complaint against Arshdeep is legitimate discipline or an attempt to play mind games and unsettle India before the final.

Former Pakistani cricketers have also supported the assertion, arguing that the standard of player behaviour should always be top-notch in matches of such significance. The Indian commentators view it as "psychological warfare", as if the PCB is trying to divert the attention away from the first two matches in a row that Pakistan had lost to India in this tournament.

The Final Awaits

Despite the commotion, the cricket is still the story for tonight. India will look to complete a hat-trick of wins over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, with some help from Jasprit Bumrah returning to the side, and Abhishek Sharma exploiting a good run of form. Pakistan will be desperate for revenge and redemption.

With the Dubai International Stadium fully sold out and millions of fans tuning in from across the globe, the conditions could not be better. When the two giants of Asian cricket take to the field tonight, the controversy will only add another incendiary element into a rivalry that has been capturing the attention of the world since the tournament commenced.