The off field tensions keep on rising, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India has filed an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Pakistan cricketers, Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan. The complaint, filed on Wednesday, is directed at the provocative on-field gestures made by the duo during the Asia Cup Super Fours match in Dubai last Sunday. The ICC has confirmed receipt of the email and a hearing is expected.
The BCCI's complaint foucses on two incidences, those were wide circulated and speculated on social media, one, Haris Rauf, while fielding on the boundary, was captured directing gestures towards Indian fans, including mimicking a jet plane crash and a "6-0" hand sign. And second, Sahibzada Farhan for making a shooting gesture with his bat after completing his half-century.
The Pakistan Cricket Board as a response, have lodged an official complaint with the ICC against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav. The PCB alleges that Yadav's comments after India's first-round victory over Pakistan on September 14 were "political" in nature. At the post-match presentation, Suryakumar had dedicated the win to "the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack," and had added, "Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery."
The on-field tension during the Super Fours match was palpable, with both sets of players engaging in heated verbal exchanges. India opener Abhishek Sharma, who was named Player of the Match, commented on the confrontations, "The way they were coming at us for no reason, I didn't like it at all and this is the only way I could give medicine to them."
Both Rauf and Farhan may have to appear before the ICC Elite Panel Referee Richie Richardson for a hearing if they deny the allegations in writing. The players could face sanctions under the ICC Code of Conduct if their explanations are deemed unsatisfactory.