Indian Skipper Suryakumar Yadav Dedicated India’s Win Over Pakistan To The Victims of the Pahalgam Attack and the Indian Army

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The India-Pakistan rivalry takes a new turn, with both cricket boards complaining to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over improper gestures displayed by players during the match. The drama, which started with avoiding a handshake in the customary press meet of captains before the tournament, is taking ugly turns every passing day. 

BCCI’s Complaints

The Indian cricket board has filed an official complaint with the ICC against Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for their provocative gestures during the Asia Cup Super 4 game last Sunday. Reportedly, the BCCI filed the complaint against the duo on Wednesday through an email. If the accused players deny these allegations in writing, an ICC hearing is expected to take place. Sahibzada and Rauf might have to appear before the ICC Elite Panel Referee, Richie Richardson, for a hearing.

Pakistani opener Sahibzada celebrated his half-century against India with a gun-firing gesture, using his bat as a machine gun prop, attracting criticisms from cricket enthusiasts.

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"That celebration was just a moment at that time. I do not do a lot of celebrations after scoring 50. But, it suddenly came to my mind that let's do a celebration today. I did that. I don't know how people will take it. I don't care about that," Farhan had told reporters after the match.

Upon response to the "Kohli, Kohli" chant from Indian supporters, Pakistani fast bowler Harris Rauf had made gestures to depict the bringing down of a plane to mock India's military action post Pahalgam attack.

PCB’s Response

In retaliation, the Pakistan Cricket Board has also lodged an official complaint with the ICC against Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav for expressing his solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

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“Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity... Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery,” the Indian skipper said during the post-match presentation.

PCB alleged that Surya's comments are "political"; however, a complaint against any comments must be submitted within seven days. The ICC panel is checking the validity of the complaints as the Indian skipper commented after the September 14 match against Pakistan.

Mohsin Naqvi’s Provocative Social Media Post

Adding fuel to the fire, Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi posted a slow-motion video of Cristiano Ronaldo on 'X', where the Portuguese legend is seen gesturing that an aircraft suddenly crashed, something that Rauf indicated on-field.

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Naqvi, known for making provocative statements against India, is also the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman and an 'Interior Minister' of his country.

Only time will tell if there will be some kind of action taken against Naqvi, also.

A decision from the ICC is expected soon, with a possible hearing that could have disciplinary implications for the players. On the field, India has already reached the final of the Asia Cup. Another finalist will be decided based on Pakistan’s match against Bangladesh today.

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