ICC takes action against Rauf, Farhan for onfield conduct

The two Pakistan players, Harris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan, investigated for a breach of code during the September 21 India-Pakistan match in Dubai, have been reprimanded. At the hearing, conducted by the International Cricket Council (ICC), both were found guilty of a Level 1 offence under the Player Code of Conduct.

Cricbuzz understands that pacer Rauf has been fined for his on-field act of mimicking a crashing plane. He was also strongly reprimanded for bringing the game into disrepute. The exact quantum of the fine is not known, but a portion of Rauf's match fee has been deducted.

Farhan, the Pakistan opener, was likewise found guilty of a Level 1 offence and has been issued a reprimand by the ICC official. Farhan wielded his bat like a gun to celebrate his half-century. Farhan had scored 58 off 45 balls in Pakistan's six-wicket defeat against India in that Super Four clash.

Charges against the two Pakistan players were brought by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after their actions in the September 21 match. The BCCI had demanded that action should be taken against the two for breach of code which clearly prohibits making political statements on the field.

Rauf's act was interpreted as a reference to the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, with clear pointers at crashing fighter jets. Likewise, Farhan's gun-firing gesture, albeit in reverse direction, was also seen as a symbolic act to the hostilities between the two nations.

At the hearing, conducted by Richie Richardson alongside Sally Higgins of the ICC, apart from the two Pakistan players, team manager Naveed Cheema was also present.

In a separate hearing, conducted on Thursday, the ICC reprimanded India skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who had expressed solidarity with the Pahalgam terror victims and the Indian Army after the September 14 league fixture. The Indian captain has been advised against making any political statements.

The rivalry between India and Pakistan, already among the fiercest in sport, has flared up further in the ongoing Asia Cup, where India have beaten their arch-rivals twice in succession. The two sides are now set for a third showdown, in the final on Sunday (September 28).