Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi jumped into the 'provocative gestures' controversy by repeating the fighter jet actions made by cricketer Haris Rauf during a clash against India in the Asia Cup Super 4 match.
Naqvi used a clip of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo to depict the crash of an aircraft - similar to what Rauf gestured with an intention to mock India's military action during Operation Sindoor. India launched Operation Sindoor in May to target several terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the Pahalgam terror attack which claimed 26 lives.
The PCB chief, who also serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister, posted the CR7 clip without any caption on X, formerly Twitter.
Rauf's gesture & what it meant
During the India-Pakistan Asia Cup Super 4 match held on September 21 in Dubai, Rauf had made some provocative gestures to depict the downing of a plane. He also hurled abuses at India openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill.
The Pakistani pacer made the 'controversial fighter-jet' gesture in response to chants of 'Kohli, Kohli' from the Indian cricket fans. Initially, he ignored the chants but later made the gesture sparking huge controversy.
India defeated Pakistan by six wickets, chasing 172 in 18.4 overs to hand Salman Ali Agha's side their second defeat in eight days.
Sahibzada's 'gun-firing' gesture
During the same match, Sahibzada Farhan was seen celebrating with a gun-firing gesture using his bat as a machine gun prop.
"That celebration was just a moment at that time. I do not do a lot of celebrations after scoring 50. But, it suddenly came to my mind that let's do a celebration today. I did that. I don't know how people will take it. I don't care about that," Farhan said post match.
BCCI action against Pak players
India has filed an official complaint with the ICC against both Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for their provocative gestures. If the Pakistani cricketers deny the allegations, an ICC hearing is likely to take place.
Both Rauf and Sahibzada will have to appear before the ICC Elite Panel Referee Richie Richardson for a hearing. They will have to explain their provocative gestures at the ICC hearing.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
