Since Pakistan is still falling short in high-pressure games against India, their frustration seems to be seeping over into play on the field. In Sunday’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Four game, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf was the focal point not for his bowling performance, but for his contentious behavior along the boundary line.
With the Indian fans fully behind him, chanting “Virat Kohli” in appreciation of his masterly performance in the T20 World Cup 2022 against Rauf, the fast bowler retaliated in a way that has set new fresh indignation among Indian supporters. A video on social media shows Rauf going into a “falling plane” gesture towards fans, which was interpreted by many as a taunting reaction to the chants.
Haris Rauf never disappoints, specially with 6-0. pic.twitter.com/vsfKKt1SPZ
---Advertisement---— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) September 21, 2025
But what ensued generated even more commotion. Rauf was observed doing a “6-0” hand gesture—an apparent nod to Pakistan’s unsubstantiated assertion of shooting down six Indian fighter planes amid a standoff between the two armies following Operation Sindoor. The symbolism was impossible to miss, especially since Rauf followed it up with over-the-top gestures imitating crashed planes. This episode raises fresh concerns about the intersection of politics and sport, particularly in light of Pakistan’s repeated claims that the two should remain separate.
Pakistan was once again crushed and left in tatters as India cruised towards victory in the Super Fours. The losing streak for Men in Green continues but their focus seems to be on everything except for cricket.
