ICC takes action against Pakistani player Haris Rauf, deducts match fee, issues warning to Farhan

New Delhi: Pakistani bowlers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan made headlines during the Super Four match between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday, September 21st. Haris Rauf verbally abused Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, and also made offensive gestures.

Pakistani opener Sahibzada Farhan performed a “gun celebration” after scoring a half-century. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has now taken action against Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan. According to sources, the ICC has fined Haris Rauf 30 percent of his match fee. Sahibzada Farhan has only been reprimanded for his “gun celebration” and has not been fined.

According to tournament sources, ICC match referee Richie Richardson completed the hearing at the Pakistani team hotel on Friday (September 26) afternoon. Both players (Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan) attended the hearing in person, while their responses were also submitted in writing. Pakistani team manager Naveed Akram Cheema was also present.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) filed a complaint with the ICC on Wednesday against Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan. According to reports, Rauf made a ‘falling plane’ gesture, mocking the Indian spectators, while Farhan’s celebration was also considered offensive by the Indian team. Pakistan and India will now face each other in the Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday.

A tournament source told news agency PTI, “Match referee Richie Richardson completed his hearing at the team hotel on Friday afternoon. Haris Rauf has been fined 30 percent of his match fee for aggressive behavior.” Sahibzada Farhan was let off with a warning.

During the hearing, Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan pleaded not guilty. The Pakistani bowler stated that his ‘6-0’ gesture was not related to India. Sahibzada Farhan denied that the ‘gun celebration’ was politically motivated. He stated that he had no intention of conveying a political message. Farhan also cited former Indian captains MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli as examples of similar gun gestures during celebrations.