The high-octane India-Pakistan rivalry and the tension surrounding their clashes has been the biggest talking point in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
It all started when Suryakumar Yadav denied his counterpart Salman Agha a handshake ahead of the toss for the first group stage clash between the two teams. The entire Indian side then snubbed the Pakistan team with a customary greeting after the game as they headed straight to the dressing room.
This gesture triggered the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), who lodged a complaint with the ICC, accusing India of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct and demanding punishment.
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PCB's complaint did not have sufficient grounds to implicate BCCI and the match referee, Andy Pycroft, and they got off scot-free.
In the second game of the Super Four stage, Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf triggered controversy again by celebrating in a manner that offended the Indian contingent.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) soon lodged a complaint with the ICC against the two Pakistan stars, as they demanded punishment for the duo.
READ: India vs Pakistan in finals: Detailing IND vs PAK head-to-head record in tournament finals
What happened in the ICC hearing?
According to media reports, both Farhan and Rauf did not plead guilty as they claimed that their celebrations did not have any political indications.
Farhan even reportedly cited India legends MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli as examples, who had earlier performed similar "Gun celebrations" on the field. He even said that such celebrations are part of his culture.
Rauf, on the other hand, claimed that his "6-0" celebration was in no way related to the ongoing political tension between India and Pakistan.
MORE: WATCH: Bangladesh fans want Rauf to repeat '6-0' gesture in Asia Cup final
Will Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf face a ban ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final?
Revsportz reports that no action has been taken against Farhan, but Rauf has been fined 30 per cent for using abusive language on the pitch.
Both players will be available to take the pitch against India in the Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday, September 28.
MORE: Pakistan fan's message to Rauf before IND-PAK final goes viral
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