In a dramatic development during the ongoing Asia Cup, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly decided to personally pay the fine imposed on Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf, after the International Cricket Council (ICC) docked 30% of his match fee for making an “Indian plane downing” gesture in the Super Four match against India.
The penalty follows a formal complaint lodged by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), citing ‘provocative’ gestures by Rauf during the heated contest in Dubai. During the match, Rauf made what was perceived by many as a “7-0” hand sign toward supporters and engaged in a verbal spat with batsman Abhishek Sharma.
In a related case, opener Sahibzada Farhan was given a warning by the ICC for celebrating his half-century with a “gun-shot” gesture. Farhan defended his action in the hearing, stating that the gesture is customary in his ethnic Pashtun tradition and citing examples from past players.
Both players attended the ICC hearing held under match referee Richie Richardson, where they pleaded not guilty. As of now, neither sanction bars them from participating in the Asia Cup final scheduled for September 28 in Dubai.
Mohsin Naqvi’s move signals the PCB’s intention to stand behind its players amid escalating tensions in the India-Pakistan rivalry on and off the field.
