Thu Sep 25 05:33:49 UTC 2025: ## Cricket Controversy: India and Pakistan File Complaints with ICC over On-Field Conduct

**Dubai -** The heated rivalry between India and Pakistan has spilled off the cricket field and into the International Cricket Council (ICC), with both nations filing official complaints against each other’s players over conduct during and after their Asia Cup Super 4 match in Dubai last Sunday.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lodged a complaint against Pakistani cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan on Wednesday, alleging “provocative gestures” during the match. Sources say Rauf made gestures mimicking the downing of an aircraft, seemingly mocking India’s military actions, after Indian fans chanted Virat Kohli’s name, referencing his previous success against Rauf. He also allegedly hurled abuses at Indian openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. Sahibzada Farhan is accused of celebrating with a “gun-firing gesture” using his bat, widely condemned as inappropriate. Farhan told reporters that he doesn’t care how people will take it.

In retaliation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly filed a complaint against Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav for expressing solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and dedicating his team’s victory to the Indian Armed Forces. The PCB alleges that Yadav’s comments were political. The complaint needs to be filed within 7 days of the comment.

The ICC is reportedly in receipt of both complaints. Should Rauf and Farhan deny the allegations, an ICC hearing presided over by Elite Panel Referee Richie Richardson is expected. Potential sanctions could follow if they fail to adequately explain their actions.

Adding further fuel to the fire, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman and the Interior Minister of Pakistan, posted a cryptic video of Cristiano Ronaldo on “X” gesturing what seems to be an aircraft crashing, which mirrors Rauf’s actions on the field.

The implications of Naqvi’s post are being closely watched by the BCCI and ICC, and it remains to be seen whether action will be taken against him. It also remains to be seen if the Indian team, now an Asia Cup finalist, will share the stage with the ACC Chairman.

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