By Asif Naveed
Web Desk; The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to appeal the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to fine pacer Haris Rauf for a gesture made during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours match against India, a senior PCB official confirmed to Geo News on Saturday.
Rauf was penalised 30% of his match fee after ICC match referee Richie Richardson found him guilty of breaching the code of conduct. However, the PCB maintains that the actions in question did not constitute a violation.
“It’s true that Haris has been sanctioned,” the official said, adding that the board would formally appeal the ruling.
The specific reason behind the fine remains unclear, with reports suggesting it could be linked to Rauf’s “6-0” hand gesture toward the crowd or his aggressive exchanges with Indian players.
Rauf, who pleaded not guilty during the hearing, continues to receive full backing from the PCB and team management. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has even pledged to personally pay the fine on Rauf’s behalf should the appeal fail.
In a separate case, the PCB filed a complaint against India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav for making political statements during post-match interviews.
The ICC sided with Pakistan, declaring Yadav guilty of breaching the code of conduct and fining him 30% of his match fee.
Despite these rulings, the ICC has yet to release an official statement on either case, drawing criticism from PCB chairman Naqvi. “How much more time do you need to explain your balancing act?” he wrote on social media, questioning the delay.
