Two players of Pakistan may take major action. (Photo-PTI)
Pakistan batsman Sahibzada Farhan’s ‘Gunshot’ celebrations had created a big controversy against India in the Super-4 match of Asia Cup 2025. At the same time, Haris Rauf gestured like dropping the aircraft. Due to which the BCCI had complained to the ICC against Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf. Today (26 September) these two players appeared before the ICC. During this, Sahibzada Farhan resorted to Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni to avoid punishment.
Why did a Pakistani player take Dhoni’s name?
The dispute was enraged during the India-Pakistan match when Farhan gestured a gun on the ground, scoring a half-century. After which India filed an official complaint to the ICC. Especially in the context of Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor of India, this celebration was considered sensitive. But Farhan made it clear in the hearing that this was his personal celebration, which is part of the Pathan culture. He said that such gestures are common on happiness like weddings and there was no political intention in it.
According to media reports, Sahibzada Farhan also said that former Indian captains MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli also used similar guns in the celebration. However, in this whole case, Sahibzada Farhan may have to face a fine from the ICC, which may be up to a few percent of the match fees. But the possibility of ban is being reported less.
What did Haris Rauf say?
Similarly, Haris Rauf had gestured ‘6–0’ during the match and joked for a fighter aircraft, which some people were associating with political stress. In the ICC hearing, Rauf defended that ‘6-0’ has nothing to do with India. He questioned how it can be connected to India. ICC officials also admitted that this gesture has no concrete meaning. In such a situation, Haris Rauf can avoid punishment.