Pakistani National Cricket Team star fast bowler Haris Rauf and batter Sahibzada Farhan have managed to avoid suspension after the BCCI lodged an official complaint with the ICC over their controversial gestures during the high-voltage India–Pakistan Super Four clash in the 2025 Asia Cup.
However, the ICC chairman Jay Shah has enforced strict financial penalties on Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan to set an example for the future. Notably, Sahibzada was summoned by the ICC for his celebratory gun firing in the air, while Rauf is facing the head for his “6-0” and plane crash gesture.
Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan tried to defend their controversial on-field gestures in the ICC hearing on Friday, September 26. Rauf stunned the officials by insisting that his 6-0 gesture was meaningless and never aimed at India. He even questioned the ICC panel about what they thought the gesture meant, leaving them without a clear answer.
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Rauf repeatedly stressed that there was no hidden message behind his actions, and eventually he pleaded not guilty at the ICC hearing. On the other hand, Sahibzada Farhan also defended his infamous gun-style celebration in front of the ICC officials.
Sahibzada explained that the move had nothing to do with politics or rivalry and noted that cricket icons like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli had also celebrated in a similar fashion on the field, so he wondered why he was only questioned during the ICC hearing.
Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan escape ban, but will face fine after BCCI’s complaint
As of now, both Rauf and Sahibzada are unlikely to face a ban, but they are highly likely to financially pay for their actions. The sanctions are likely to include a hefty fine on both Pakistani players. It is being said that they could be fined 50–100% of their match fee for their controversial gestures during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match on September 21.
However, despite the strong complaint from the BCCI, no suspensions have been announced yet by the ICC. The sports governing body will announce the final verdict on the matter by Friday evening.
Earlier, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav faced the ICC over his post-match comments after the team’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 group match on September 14.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had accused Suryakumar of dragging politics into the game by dedicating the victory to the Indian armed forces and mentioning Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April.
Suryakumar Yadav already appeared before match referee Richie Richardson and denied any wrongdoing, stating that his remarks were not meant to provoke or politicize the rivalry.
After a long hearing, the ICC chose not to impose any fine or suspension on the Indian captain but issued a strict warning to him. They told Suryakumar to avoid such references in the future to avoid any ICC actions.