Dubai: Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has stirred controversy after making a provocative “6-0” gesture accompanied by a crashing plane motion towards Indian fans during the fiery India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Super Four encounter. The incident occurred while Rauf was fielding near the boundary, where Indian supporters were chanting “Kohli, Kohli” to taunt him.
The gesture, widely interpreted as a reference to Pakistan’s disputed military claims of shooting down six Indian jets during Operation Sindoor, has triggered anger on social media, with many calling it unsportsmanlike and inappropriate in a cricketing context.
Despite the drama, India dominated the game, comfortably chasing Pakistan’s 172-run target. Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 74 off 39 balls powered India to a six-wicket win, with support from Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya.
Cricket fans and experts have urged governing bodies to take note of such incidents that blur the line between sport and politics, especially in high-voltage India-Pakistan encounters.
