The legendary India vs Pakistan rivalry has spiraled off the pitch and into a political storm, with fiery complaints lodged at the ICC over player gestures and statements.
Why Is BCCI Complaining?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has demanded action against Pakistani players:
- Haris Rauf — accused of making a “plane crash” gesture and flashing a “6-0” sign toward Indian fans, which India claims mocked its military.
- Sahibzada Farhan — celebrated a half-century with a bat-firing gesture. The BCCI slammed both acts as “provocative” and “inflammatory.”
PCB Hits Back with Suryakumar Yadav Row
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) countered by filing a complaint against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav.
- The Charge: Yadav dedicated a win to the Indian Armed Forces and victims of terrorism, directly tying cricket to military operations.
- The Defense: PCB says India is guilty of a double standard — crying foul over gestures while ignoring its own political statements.
Ronaldo Twist from PCB Chief
Escalating tensions, PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi — also ACC President — shared a viral clip of Cristiano Ronaldo making a gesture similar to Haris Rauf’s. The post looked like an endorsement and further inflamed the controversy.
The Bigger Picture
Pakistani fans argue the backlash reflects India’s insecurity, not spirit of the game. Analysts say BCCI’s tactics — from visa roadblocks to ICC complaints — show how cricket has become another battlefield in the India-Pakistan rivalry.
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