NEW DELHI – The argument over the “provocative” actions of Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan has gotten worse, thanks to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Naqvi posted a video of soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo making a “fighter jet” gesture on his social media account on Wednesday. People are reading the post as a way to defend the players’ actions instead of denouncing them.
The message on social media came just days after the Super Four match between India and Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup. During the game, Rauf was observed at the Dubai International Stadium making motions that upset Indian fans over and over again. He performed fighter-jet motions several times, and after getting rid of Indian batter Sanju Samson, he showed the audience the “6-0” sign. This gesture is a nod to the bogus assertion that six Indian Air Force planes were shot down during Operation Sindoor in May. Also, opener Sahibzada Farhan was seen celebrating his fifty against India in the same game by “firing a gun.”
Fans and people in the cricket world have already strongly criticized what the two players did. Many people see Naqvi’s job as head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) as a serious violation of procedure. He hasn’t done anything to calm things down; instead, he’s made the anger worse, which has led to harsh criticism from all sides.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has filed a formal complaint with match referee Andy Pycroft against Rauf and Farhan for their “indecent and provocative behavior.” The BCCI has also given video proof to back up its assertions, saying it thinks the motions were on purpose and not part of a normal celebration.
The two rivals are on a collision course to meet again in the Asia Cup final, but Pakistan can only ensure the match if they beat Bangladesh in their last Super Four game on Thursday.