Asia Cup 2025 / BCCI launches a major attack on Pakistan, taking such action against two players

Asia Cup 2025: India and Pakistan faced off for the second time in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025 on September 21st in Dubai. Team India won this thrilling match by 6 wickets. However, several incidents during and after the match escalated tensions between the cricket boards of the two countries.

BCCI strongly objects to the actions of Pakistani players

During the match, Pakistani opener Sahibzada Farhan performed a "gun celebration" after scoring a half-century, simulating a gun gesture. Furthermore, Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf made a "drop the plane" gesture while fielding. Both these actions have angered the Indian team and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The BCCI, considering these actions against the spirit of the game, has filed a formal complaint with match referee Andy Pycroft. The Board has emailed videos of both players as evidence. If this case goes to trial, Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf could face severe punishment.

Sahibzada Farhan's clarification

Sahibzada Farhan clarified his gun celebration at a press conference. He said,

"It was just a moment of celebration. I don't usually celebrate much after a half-century, but at that moment, it suddenly occurred to me to do something different. I did just that. I don't know how people will take it, and I don't care."

Reacting to this statement, a BCCI official said that Sahibzada did this intentionally and he has no regrets. The board has prepared a detailed dossier on this matter and submitted it to the match referee.

Questions about Suryakumar Yadav

The controversy didn't end there. During another match on September 14, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Agha during the toss. Suryakumar Yadav subsequently made some statements against Pakistan at a press conference, which the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) considered objectionable. The PCB complained about the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), which then forwarded it to match referee Richie Richardson.

Richie Richardson's Email to Suryakumar Yadav

Richie Richardson sent an email to Suryakumar Yadav, stating:

"The ICC has submitted two reports to me. After examining all the evidence and reports, I have concluded that the Indian captain has made inappropriate statements that have damaged the image of the game. This constitutes a charge against him. If Suryakumar Yadav does not accept these charges, a hearing will be held, which will include me, the Indian captain, and a representative from the PCB."

Tension between the two boards

This entire controversy has further escalated tensions between the cricket boards of India and Pakistan. While the BCCI condemned the actions of the Pakistani players as inappropriate, the PCB questioned Suryakumar Yadav's behavior. Both boards have taken steps to defend their players, further complicating the matter.

What's next?

If the case goes to trial, both sides will have to present their arguments and evidence. If Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf are found guilty of violating the spirit of the game, they could face fines or suspension. Suryakumar Yadav is also likely to face action if his statements and behavior are found to be inappropriate.