PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to Pay Haris Rauf’s ICC Fine from His Own Pocket

In a rare show of support for his players, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced that he will personally cover the fine imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on fast bowler Haris Rauf. The decision comes after the pacer was found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 clash against India.

The incident took place on September 21 during Pakistan’s much-anticipated group-stage encounter with their arch-rivals India. Following an intense wicket celebration near the boundary line, Haris Rauf responded to jeers from Indian fans by making a controversial gesture, which was interpreted as a symbol of a crashing airplane. The act quickly drew criticism, particularly from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Indian supporters, who lodged a formal complaint with the ICC.

Haris Rauf was not the only Pakistani player to come under scrutiny during the match. Earlier in the same game, opener Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his half-century in dramatic fashion by shaping his bat like a rifle and pretending to fire shots, a move seen by many as provocative. While this act too drew attention, the ICC ultimately decided against imposing a penalty on Farhan. Instead, the match referee issued him a formal warning, urging him to show more restraint in future celebrations.

According to the official ruling, Haris Rauf was fined 30 percent of his match fee for violating the ICC Code of Conduct. Sources confirmed that he, along with Sahibzada Farhan, appeared before the match referee to present their defense. Despite their explanations, only Haris was sanctioned, while Farhan was let off with a caution.

Reacting to the ICC’s verdict, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi voiced his full support for Haris. “The fine on Haris Rauf will not be paid by him. I will personally pay this amount on his behalf,” Naqvi said, according to sources. His statement reflects the board’s backing of its players at a time when the rivalry with India continues to extend beyond the cricket field.

It is worth noting that disciplinary action was not limited to Pakistan’s camp. The ICC also penalized Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for his controversial remarks during the post-match presentation following the September 14 Pakistan-India fixture. Yadav was similarly fined 30 percent of his match fee for breaching ICC’s code.

The developments highlight how the Asia Cup 2025, one of cricket’s most fiercely contested tournaments, has been marred not just by on-field battles but also by off-field controversies. For Pakistan, Mohsin Naqvi’s gesture is likely to boost morale in the dressing room, showing the players that the board stands firmly behind them in moments of pressure and criticism.

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