ICC schedule hearings for BCCI, PCB complaints as India-Pakistan rivalry escalates
The fresh set of complaints following the heated exchanges between Indian and Pakistani players in the two matches of the Asia Cup 2025 has intensified tensions between the two sides.
New Delhi: In another major twist in the bitter India-Pakistan rivalry at the Asia Cup 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has scheduled a hearing for today (Thursday) following a barrage of complaints and counter-complaints lodged by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) against each other's players, as per a report in Cricbuzz.
The fresh set of complaints following the acrimonious exchanges between players in the two meetings has intensified tensions between the two sides.
Even the administrators have been drawn into the controversy, with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi fanning the flames with a social media post featuring Cristiano Ronaldo gesturing like a crashing plane, mirroring Harris Rauf's actions during the Super Four match on September 21.
The Pakistan bowler's controversial gesture was interpreted as a reference to the military conflict between the armies of the two nations earlier this year.
Naqvi's intent is questionable. Was he using Ronaldo's video clip to promote and justify Rauf's controversial gesture and please the Pakistani public and political figures?
Another chapter in the ugly saga
It will be interesting to see how ICC resolves the latest dispute between the bitter rivals. The ICC is holding the hearing on BCCI's complaint against Rauf's act, as well as Sahibzada Farhan's gun-firing celebration after completing a half-century in the Super 4 fixture.
ICC has also scheduled a separate hearing for the PCB's complaint against Suryakumar Yadav. The Indian skipper attracted negative attention from the Pakistani fans for his post-match comments following the September 14 league fixture. Surya made headlines with his remarks about Pahalgam terror victims and the Indian Army.
Match referee Andy Pycroft, who himself was caught in controversy following the league match, will supervise the BCCI's case, while Richie Richardson will hear the complaint against the India skipper.
In a normal scenario, these gestures may appear insignificant, but amidst the intense India-Pakistan tensions in the backdrop of the military conflict between the countries earlier this year, they appear politically motivated, which is against the ICC player code of conduct.