Haris Rauf has been penalized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a controversial hand gesture during Pakistan’s match against India on September 21, 2025. The ICC determined that the gesture, made by Rauf while fielding near the boundary, breached the Code of Conduct.
Rauf’s actions, which included a “6-0” hand signal and a gesture resembling a crashing aircraft, were widely seen as a reference to the military tensions between India and Pakistan in May. Although Rauf insisted that his gesture was aimed at the crowd and had no political intent, the ICC deemed it inappropriate. As a result, he has been fined 30% of his match fee.
In the same match, Sahibzada Farhan’s gunshot mimicry during his bat celebration raised concerns but was not penalized. Farhan defended it as a cultural gesture common in his Pashtun heritage, and the ICC issued a formal warning without a fine.
The sanctions follow those imposed on Indian player Suryakumar Yadav, who was fined for post-match remarks seen as politically charged after a September 14 encounter. The rivalry between the two nations has escalated throughout the tournament, with tensions running high both on and off the field.
As both teams prepare for a third meeting in the final, all eyes will be on their conduct and the ICC’s enforcement of the spirit of the game.
