Complaints filed over gestures and remarks made during the Asia Cup group stage match.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to address complaints lodged by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) concerning players’ conduct during recent matches. According to reports from Cricbuzz, the PCB has raised concerns about remarks made by Indian men’s team captain Suryakumar Yadav following the Asia Cup group stage match held on September 14.
During a press conference after the match, Yadav expressed condolences for the victims of a terror attack in Pahalgam that occurred in April and dedicated the Indian team’s victory to the Indian military. This attack, which took place on April 22, resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals and injuries to 16 others, primarily targeting tourists based on their religious identity, as stated by police sources. The PCB has categorized Yadav’s comments as “political,” although it remains unclear when the complaint was officially submitted, given that ICC rules stipulate that incidents must be reported within seven days.
In response, the BCCI has filed a complaint against Pakistani cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for what they deemed provocative gestures during the Super 4 stage match between India and Pakistan. Notably, Farhan celebrated his half-century by mimicking a gun-firing gesture, using his bat as a prop. He later remarked to reporters that the celebration was spontaneous and that he was indifferent to how others perceived it. Meanwhile, Rauf made gestures that appeared to simulate the action of bringing down an aircraft, seemingly referencing claims made by the Pakistani military about shooting down Indian planes during a recent conflict. These claims have not been independently verified.
According to ESPN Cricinfo, the ICC may proceed with the hearing concerning the BCCI’s complaint, particularly if Rauf and Farhan choose to deny the allegations in writing. While India has acknowledged losses during the initial phases of the conflict, specifics regarding the number of aircraft lost have not been disclosed.
In recent months, tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified, particularly following military strikes carried out by India on what it identified as terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This action was a direct response to the Pahalgam attack. In retaliation, the Pakistan Army reportedly engaged in repeated shelling of Indian villages along the Line of Control, leading to casualties among both civilians and defense personnel.
Match referee Andy Pycroft is expected to oversee the BCCI’s complaint, while Richie Richardson will handle the complaint against Yadav. The ongoing Asia Cup is being held in the United Arab Emirates, a venue that has become a focal point for cricketing tensions between the two nations. Additionally, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently shared a video on social media depicting a gesture similar to Rauf’s, although it was unclear if it was intended as an endorsement. Notably, Naqvi holds dual roles as the chairperson of the PCB and the Asian Cricket Council, which is responsible for organizing the Asia Cup.
