Haris Rauf has once again landed himself and Pakistan cricket in hot water after being filmed making controversial war-related gestures towards Indian fans during Sunday’s Asia Cup Super Four clash in Dubai.
The Pakistan seamer, who dismissed Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, was involved in a heated exchange with opener Abhishek Sharma before appearing to mock the crowd near the boundary rope. Videos circulating online show Rauf making gestures of planes crashing, in reference to rumours surrounding Pakistan’s claims of downing Indian Rafale fighter jets during Operation Sindoor.
His actions have fuelled a fresh storm for Pakistan cricket, which is already reeling from the handshake saga earlier in the tournament. Calls for disciplinary action have surfaced online, with Rauf’s behaviour seen as damaging to both his personal reputation and that of his team.
Haris Rauf vs Indian fans 🥶!#INDvPAK #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/XsYhe8AD2J
— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) September 21, 2025
The flashpoint with Abhishek came when Shubman Gill struck Rauf for a boundary in the Powerplay. The fast bowler then turned his attention to Abhishek at the non-striker’s end, hurling verbal volleys that were met with an equally fiery response. Abhishek, however, let his bat do the talking, contributing significantly to India’s successful chase.
Chasing 172, India cruised thanks to a commanding 105-run opening stand between Gill and Abhishek. Despite losing wickets in the middle overs, they completed the target with six wickets and seven balls to spare, securing a double over Pakistan in the tournament.
Earlier, Pakistan had been gifted runs through India’s sloppy fielding, with four catches put down. All-rounder Shivam Dube was the pick of the Indian bowlers with two wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah endured a rare off day, conceding 45 runs in his four overs without success.
The win, however, was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Rauf, whose antics away from the pitch ensured the spotlight once again drifted away from cricket.
