India – Pakistan final set
For the first time in the 40-year history of the Asia Cup, India and Pakistan will face each other in the final – this Sunday in Dubai.
This was confirmed when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 11 runs in their Super 4s match the served effectively as an eliminator.
While the two rival teams continue their preparations for Sunday’s battle, the fireworks are also continuing off the field.
Mohsin Naqvi’s tweet sparks fresh row
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has intensified the ongoing tensions around the Asia Cup 2025 by posting a video of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo mimicking a plane dip, widely interpreted as a reference to fighter jets being downed. The clip, shared on X during India’s game against Bangladesh, mirrored the actions of Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf, who had earlier drawn criticism for a similar gesture in the Super Four clash against India.
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) September 24, 2025
The tweet follows a series of provocative moments involving Pakistan players. Haris Rauf made the “fighter jet” gesture while fielding against India, while teammate Sahibzada Farhan celebrated a half-century with a gun-firing motion using his bat.
“That celebration was just a moment at that time. I do not do a lot of celebrations after scoring 50. But, it suddenly came to my mind that let’s do a celebration today. I did that. I don’t know how people will take it. I don’t care about that,” Farhan said in his post-match interview.
These incidents have taken place against the backdrop of heightened political sensitivities, following the Pahalgam attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor.
Complaints and counter-complaints reach ICC
The on-field rivalry has now escalated into a series of formal complaints to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lodged complaints against Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for provocative gestures, while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) submitted reports against India captain Suryakumar Yadav over remarks made after the group stage win against Pakistan on September 14.
“Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity… Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery,” Suryakumar said during the post-match presentation.
In the subsequent press conference, he added: “Our government and BCCI, we were aligned today… We came here to just play the game.”
ICC referee email signals charges against India captain
According to a Dainik Jagran report, ICC match referee Richie Richardson formally acknowledged the PCB’s submissions and indicated charges should be filed against Suryakumar.
“The ICC has asked me to handle two reports lodged by the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding comments made by your captain, Suryakumar Yadav, during the presentation and post-match press conference after the India vs Pakistan match on September 14 2025. After examining the full reports and reviewing the evidence, I have concluded that a charge should be brought against Suryakumar Yadav for conduct that brings the game into dispute by making inappropriate comments, which are detrimental to the interest of the game,” Richardson wrote in an email to the Indian team management.
Suryakumar will now have the option of accepting the charge or facing a formal hearing.
India’s response to the controversy
India’s camp has sought to keep focus on cricket. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged the difficult atmosphere but praised the team’s conduct.
“Let me first say, the amount of pressure that’s been heaped on the players because of the situation, it’s very difficult to control your behaviour,” he said during a media interaction.
“I did see some of the things Haris did and that’s not our concern. Like I said earlier, we’re really proud of how the guys carried themselves. They fought fire with their bats on the field. Other teams may have had issues with some of the things we’ve done. But from our side, we’re proud of how the guys have carried themselves.”
ICC hearings scheduled amid growing scrutiny
According to multiple reports, the ICC has scheduled hearings to address the complaints from both boards. Proceedings are expected to cover BCCI’s protest against Farhan and Rauf, as well as the PCB’s case against Suryakumar Yadav.
The developments come as India continue their strong run in the Asia Cup, having already secured a place in the final, while Pakistan’s campaign has been overshadowed by controversies both on and off the field.
