The off-field drama of the Asia Cup 2025 has taken another sharp turn. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan, citing “inappropriate on-field gestures” during the high-voltage Super Four clash in Dubai last Sunday.
According to sources, the complaint was sent via email on Wednesday and the ICC has already acknowledged its receipt. The matter could now escalate into a formal disciplinary process if the players choose to contest the allegations.
The flashpoints under scrutiny include Farhan’s animated celebration after completing his half-century and Rauf’s reaction towards a section of fans while patrolling the boundary. Both incidents went viral on social media, sparking debate across cricketing circles and drawing mixed reactions from fans.
Should the players deny wrongdoing, they may be summoned for a hearing before match referee Richie Richardson. Veteran official Andy Pycroft is also on duty at the tournament, and ICC insiders say a ruling could come swiftly if proceedings begin.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate addressed the matter when asked on Tuesday. While choosing not to stoke the fire further, he acknowledged the charged environment players are facing.
“The amount of pressure on the players because of the situation is immense, and it can be difficult to control behaviour,” said ten Doeschate. “I did see some of the things Haris did, but that’s not our concern. We’re proud of how our guys carried themselves. They fought fire with their bats on the field. Other teams may have had issues, but from our side, we’re proud of how the team conducted themselves.”
The development comes as yet another controversy simmers around the tournament. On the other side of the rivalry, the ICC is already reviewing a complaint from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) against India captain Suryakumar Yadav, alleging his post-match comments after the September 14 clash breached the governing body’s neutrality code.
With both boards now locked in formal disputes against each other’s players, the cricketing spotlight has shifted off the pitch as much as on it. What began as a high-stakes tournament is increasingly being overshadowed by off-field tensions, adding further weight to the already charged India–Pakistan rivalry.
The ICC is expected to decide in the coming days whether Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan, or even Suryakumar Yadav will face disciplinary action, keeping the Asia Cup 2025 embroiled in drama both on and off the field.
