Pakistani cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan adopted a strong defense before the International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Richie Richardson on Friday, vehemently denying allegations of making political gestures against India and placing the match official on the spot.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had demanded the ICC take “strict action” against the players following their “provocative gestures” during the Asia Cup Super Four clash.
Rauf, specifically challenged about making a “6-0” hand gesture and the jet-crash celebration in front of Indian spectators, questioned the very nature of the allegations.
According to media reports, when Rauf was asked about the meaning of the “6-0” sign, the fast bowler counter-questioned the referee directly.
“Tell me what 6-0 means?” Rauf reportedly asked Richardson. Reports indicate the match referee fell silent at this point, unable to provide a definition.
Rauf continued his defense, stating his position remained consistent even in his written response to the ICC: “There is no evidence to support the charges.”
When the referee suggested Rauf’s gesture “perhaps pointed to something else,” the bowler pressed back, asking, “You tell me what I was pointing to?”
Rauf insisted the repeated gestures were solely for the fans and “nothing else.”
Sahibzada Farhan, who faced a complaint for his “gun-fire” celebration after reaching his half-century, completely denied the charges and any political intent.
Farhan presented his case, stating, “The celebration was not political in nature; I did not target India in the celebration.” He explained that such a celebration represents Pashtun tradition.
Both cricketers presented their case forcefully, submitting detailed written responses and maintaining their innocence under the ICC Code of Conduct hearing chaired by Richie Richardson. The BCCI’s complaint alleged Rauf had made “jet crash gestures” and the “0-6 sign” after spectators chanted “Kohli, Kohli.”