Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf stirred controversy in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four encounter against India at the Dubai International Stadium. Instead of ignoring the loud Indian crowd, he responded with ‘6-0’ signs and fighter jet gestures, which quickly became the center of criticism online.
Although Rauf claimed two important wickets, including India skipper Suryakumar Yadav for a duck, he endured a tough night. The left-handed duo of Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma took him apart for 18 runs off 11 balls, while the spectators intensified their chants.
Fans repeatedly screamed “Kohli, Kohli,” recalling the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne when Virat Kohli smashed Rauf for consecutive sixes. Instead of staying composed, the fast bowler provoked the stands with hand signals. He mimicked a fighter jet and flashed the ‘6-0’ gesture, linked to propaganda about six Indian Air Force jets being shot down during Operation Sindoor. Reports also surfaced that Rauf was heard chanting “6-0” during practice at the ICC Academy in Dubai.
Abhishek Sharma Opens Up on On-field Clash
India’s openers stitched a commanding 105-run stand that set the tone for the chase of 172. During the final ball of the fifth over, Shubman Gill punched Rauf through mid-wicket for four, triggering a face-off between Abhishek Sharma and the bowler. Umpire Gazi Sohel had to step in to calm things down.
After winning the Player of the Match award, Abhishek revealed why he reacted strongly.
“Today was pretty simple, the way they were coming out to us (Pakistani bowlers) without any reason, I did not like it at all. That is why I went after them. I wanted to deliver for the team.”
Social Media Backlash
Rauf’s antics became viral almost instantly. Many users slammed his behavior as “disgusting” and “incompetent,” arguing that his gestures overshadowed his actual bowling contribution. While Pakistan dealt with the fallout, India celebrated another high-energy victory in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four.
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