Sahibzada Farhan defends 'gunshot gesture' in ICC hearing

Pakistan cricket stars Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf appeared before match referee Andy Pycroft to defend their on-field gestures during the recent Pakistan-India clash in the Super Four stage of the 2025 Asia Cup.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had filed a complaint against Farhan for a ‘gun’ gesture he made after scoring a half-century. Rauf, meanwhile, was questioned for making a ‘6-0’ gesture following taunts from Indian fans.

According to media reports, Farhan told the ICC hearing that he is from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region and the gun celebration is a tradition from there. “The celebration was neither political nor directed at India; it is a customary Pashtun way of celebrating,” he reportedly said.

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Regarding Rauf’s gesture, the match referee asked why he made the ‘6-0’ signal. Rauf reportedly questioned the basis of the allegations, asking for clarification on what the gesture was perceived to mean. When pressed about the repeated gesture, he explained it was directed solely at engaging fans and had no other intent.

The referee appeared to struggle to respond to Rauf’s line of questioning. The ICC has yet to announce any decision on whether either Farhan or Rauf will face penalties.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, the ICC reprimanded Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav over a complaint lodged by Pakistan, with reports suggesting that fines could be imposed following the detailed review.