Pakistan’s Rauf fined, Farhan warned for provocative gestures

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been fined 30 percent of his match fees for a provocative gesture during the high-voltage Asia Cup Super Four clash against India in Dubai on September 21. Sources confirmed that the ICC match referee reprimanded Rauf for mimicking a crashing plane after dismissing an Indian batter, an act deemed against the spirit of the game.

Rauf, however, pleaded not guilty during the ICC hearing on Friday, September 26. The pacer found himself at the centre of controversy after his gestures towards the Indian crowd were deemed provocative.

The incident unfolded when Indian fans at the stadium chanted “Kohli, Kohli” — a reminder of the two iconic sixes Virat Kohli struck off Rauf at the MCG during the 2022 T20 World Cup. In response, Rauf imitated the act of bringing down a plane, widely seen as a dig at India’s military operations. His frustrations also spilled onto the field, as he directed abusive words towards India’s young opening pair, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. The two batters, however, responded in the best possible way — by letting their bats do the talking with assured stroke play.

At the hearing, Rauf defended himself, insisting that his “6-0 gesture” meant nothing and was not aimed at India. He even questioned ICC officials about what they believed the gesture implied, pointing out that they could not provide a clear answer. Rauf maintained that there was no reference to India in his actions.

The ICC hearing, conducted after the game, found both Haris Rauf and opener Sahibzada Farhan guilty of Level 1 offences under the Code of Conduct. While Rauf was fined 30 percent of his match fees for a provocative gesture, Farhan received an official reprimand for brandishing his bat like a gun after reaching his half-century.

Farhan had made a fluent 58 off 45 balls in Pakistan’s unsuccessful chase, which ended in a six-wicket defeat to India.

The ICC also cautioned India captain Suryakumar Yadav, who made comments that carried a political overtone.

The ICC has made it clear that such celebrations bring the game into disrepute, though the sanctions handed out are the lowest under the Code. (India Today)