Asia Cup 2025: Clash Continues Beyond the Field, BCCI and PCB Move to ICC

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): After the high-voltage Super-4 clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, tensions have spilled beyond the field as well. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lodged an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against two Pakistani players — Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also raised an objection with the ICC against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav.

According to reports, the BCCI filed its complaint on Wednesday via email to the ICC, alleging that Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf and batsman Sahibzada Farhan made “provocative gestures” during the Super-4 match against India. In particular, Farhan’s “gun celebration” was deemed as an act of provocation towards Indian players and fans. Haris Rauf too was accused of repeatedly indulging in aggressive conduct during the match.

The BCCI has demanded disciplinary action against the two Pakistani players. If Farhan and Rauf deny the charges, they will have to appear before ICC Elite Panel referee Richie Richardson to present their defense.

In response, the PCB retaliated by filing a complaint against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, accusing him of “unsportsmanlike behavior” during the match. However, the PCB has not specified which particular act of Suryakumar’s they found objectionable.

Matches between India and Pakistan are never just about cricket — they are a mix of passion, pressure, and national pride. Disputes over players’ gestures and conduct are not uncommon, but this time the matter has escalated to the ICC, with both boards taking a firm stand against each other.

All eyes are now on the ICC to see whether it takes disciplinary action or resolves the issue with mere warnings. One thing is certain: the India–Pakistan rivalry has once again extended far beyond the 22-yard pitch.