India vs Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super 4s on Sunday had not just cricket on the field but gestures that drew criticism for bringing off-field aspects into it. Both the controversial and politically-motivated gestures were made by Pakistani players on a night they suffered a 6-wicket loss at the Dubai International Stadium.The first gesture involved Sahibzada Farhan who celebrated his half-century by pointing his bat like a gun, drawing further criticism from Indian fans who accused the Pakistani team of unsportsmanlike behaviour.
In the second, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf made a provocative gesture towards Indian fans. While stationed near the boundary, Rauf responded to spectators’ jeers by signalling “0-6” with his fingers, referencing to Pakistan’s unverified claims of downing six Indian fighter jets during the Operation Sindoor border clash in May.
Haris Rauf gestures towards Indian fans while fielding on the boundary during the Asia Cup. (Pic credit: AFP)
The incident occurred in the second innings when Indian fans were chanting “Virat Kohli” to tease Rauf, despite Kohli’s absence from the match following his retirement from the format last year. The chants were meant to remind Rauf of the 2022 T20 World Cup match at Melbourne Cricket Ground, where Kohli had hit memorable shots against him.Videos of Rauf’s gesture quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing criticism from Indian supporters.WATCH: Haris Rauf makes provocative gesture towards India fansThe match also saw Rauf involved in a heated exchange with Indian opener Abhishek Sharma. The confrontation took place after the final ball of the fifth over when Gill hit a four through a short-arm jab. The situation required umpire Gazi Sohel’s intervention to separate the players.Despite the controversies, the match saw Pakistan posting their highest T20I total against India while batting first, reaching 171/5.India successfully chased down the target, with Abhishek scoring 74 runs and Shubman Gill contributing 47 runs. Their opening partnership of 105 runs set the foundation for India’s victory.
