What happened on the field?
On September 21, 2025, the Dubai International Stadium was buzzing as India and Pakistan faced off in the Asia Cup Super Four stage. Pakistan fell short, losing by six wickets, but the match will be remembered for something else – a bold gesture by fast bowler Haris Rauf.
While fielding near the boundary, Rauf heard Indian supporters chanting "Kohli, Kohli" – a nod to Virat Kohli’s sixes off his bowling back in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Instead of staying quiet, the bowler lifted his hand and made a "plane falling" sign followed by a "6‑0" display. The symbols reference Pakistan’s unverified claim of shooting down six Indian fighter jets during the post‑Operation Sindoor military skirmish.
Video of the act spread like wildfire on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Fans called it a disrespectful stunt, while some analysts said it was a pre‑planned provocation because Rauf had shouted "6‑0" in a training session at the ICC Academy the week before.
Even though his gestures stole the headlines, Rauf was Pakistan’s best bowler that day, picking up two crucial wickets, including Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav.
Aftermath and public reaction
The backlash didn’t stop on the field. Rauf’s wife, Muzna Masood Malik, posted a short Instagram story featuring snapshots of the "6‑0" sign. Her caption – "Lost the match but won the battle" – was seen as a proud endorsement of the act. Within hours, the story vanished, but not before thousands had seen it and shared their anger.
Indian fans labelled the bowler "disgusting" and "incompetent," demanding that the International Cricket Council step in. Pakistani supporters, meanwhile, defended the gesture as a harmless way to vent frustration after a heavy defeat.
Cricket boards from both sides have issued statements urging players to keep politics out of the sport. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said it will review the incident internally, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) called the behavior "unacceptable" and asked the ICC to consider sanctions.
Social media commentary has turned into a broader debate about the line between patriotism and unsportsmanlike conduct. Some users argue that players, as public figures, should be mindful of the symbolism they use, especially when it touches on sensitive military topics.
For now, the viral clips continue to circulate, and the phrase Haris Rauf controversy appears in trending lists across platforms. Whether the incident leads to a formal penalty or fades after a few weeks remains to be seen, but it has already shown how quickly a cricket match can spill over into larger national conversations. September 23 2025 0
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