Viral Cricket Gestures Spark Controversy
During a recent Super 4 cricket match, Pakistani player Haris Rauf drew attention when he imitated a fighter jet crashing, a gesture interpreted as a reference to an incident in 2019 involving the downing of Indian aircraft. The act followed fan chants reliving Indian player Virat Kohli’s notable performances and led to Rauf receiving a 30% fine from the ICC for provoking comments. Rauf defended his actions, claiming no hidden intent.
Additionally, Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah responded to Rauf’s gesture by mimicking a plane crash during a subsequent match, which further fueled a viral reaction on social media among cricket fans and analysts.
The ICC issued fines, including a reprimand for Sahibzada Farhan, who celebrated with a gunshot gesture during the same match. Farhan accepted the warning and did not repeat the act in the finals.
Off the field, the atmosphere remained tense during the tournament’s final, as India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav greeted former coach Ravi Shastri but did not acknowledge ex-Pakistan captain Waqar Younis at the toss, a move that was widely discussed online.
- Why it matters:
- Such gestures can impact player reputations and team dynamics, influencing public perception and sponsorship opportunities.
- They may contribute to the ongoing rivalry narrative between India and Pakistan, affecting future match atmospheres.
- The latest:
- The ICC’s reprimand of Rauf and Farhan highlights the governing body’s commitment to controlling player conduct during high-stakes matches.
Source: https://gulfnews.com/sport/asia-cup/india-vs-pakistan-final-bumrahs-cheeky-send-off-to-rauf-goes-viral-1.500286821
Source: https://gulfnews.com/sport/asia-cup/india-vs-pakistan-final-bumrahs-cheeky-send-off-to-rauf-goes-viral-1.500286821