In the construction of Asia Cup 2025 FinalPakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has found himself at the center of controversy.
Haris Rowf’s dispute against India
During the warm super four clash against India in Dubai on 21 September, Rauf responded to mantras with stimulating gestures from Indian fans, including a ‘6–0’ symbol and a plane crash of a plane crash. The gestures were widely interpreted as a reference to historical military tension between India and Pakistan, leading to a storm of criticism and ICC disciplinary action.
ICC punishes Haris Rowf
Following a complaint by the Control Board for Cricket in India (BCCI), the International Cricket Council (ICC) launched an investigation. Match referee Richie Richardson convicted Rowf for dissolving the code of conduct “For aggressive and unacceptable behavior.” The bowler was fined 30% of his match fee, with an amount of about 125,575 Pakistani rupees (about ₹ 39,000). During the hearing, Rauf defended himself, gestures were misunderstood and indicating 160 runs rather than inciting Indian fans, but their clarification was rejected.
PCB main step with personal support for rauf
In a dramatic gesture of solidarity, PCB Head and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi personally paid Rauf’s fine. Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan’s players deserve unwavering support during emotionally charged India-Pakistan rivalry. “Our players deserve full support when emotions run high in a competition, it is intense,” He said, underlining the board’s commitment to stand behind his cricketers. This step has been widely interpreted as a sign of NQVI’s leadership style, with a strong player support with support.
Off-field tension between India and Pakistan is increasing
The incident has only added fuel to off-field tension between the two countries. Indian opener Abhishek Sharma criticized Pakistan players for inciting unnecessary conflicts, while PCB lodged a counter-complaint against India captain Suryakumar Yadav, which to dedicate the victory of the first group-charan for the victims of the Indian Armed Forces and the Pahllagam terror attack. The ICC also fined Suryakumar 30% of its match fee, while Pakistan opener Sahabzada Farhan was given only one warning for his ‘gun bullet’ celebration, which he described as a cultural gesture associated with his Pashtun heritage.
Also read: India vs Pakistan record in the final of multinational tournament
A historic final among the off-field drama
Despite the disciplinary headlines, the focus now turns into the final of the Asia Cup 2025 on 28 September, which leads to the first India vs. Pakistan final in the 41 -year history of the tournament. Both teams have already faced each other three times in several weeks, intensifying rivalry. While India won a major six-verse victory in its final encounter, Pakistan enters the final for script redemption.
