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After Haris Rauf, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi posts Ronaldo meme hinting 6-0 gesture

Soumyajit Dutta

Mohsin Naqvi's action sparks row [Source: @timmy_imtiaz/X.com]Mohsin Naqvi's action sparks row [Source: @timmy_imtiaz/X.com]

The off-field tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated dramatically, moving from the handshake snub to provocative military-themed gestures. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) president Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council, amplified the controversy by allegedly endorsing pacer Haris Rauf's actions from the Super Four clash on social media.

The conflict originated when Rauf, seemingly reacting to taunts from Indian fans during the match, made a gesture mimicking a fighter jet crashing down. Naqvi’s subsequent post, featuring a video of Cristiano Ronaldo with similar insinuations, has added a significant political dimension to the sporting rivalry.

Naqvi fuels fire from the top with 'Gesture War'

In a move that raised eyebrows, the senior administrator used his official position to further a narrative rooted in cross-border hostilities. During India's match against Bangladesh on Wednesday, Naqvi took to X (formerly Twitter) to seemingly back Rauf's controversial act. Watch Naqvi's post here.

Mohsin Naqvi's post [Source: Screengrab]Mohsin Naqvi's post [Source: Screengrab]

This intervention from the ACC head, who is responsible for the tournament's neutral venue in Dubai, was seen as highly inflammatory. It furthered Pakistan's unverified claims regarding recent border escalations that followed the Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent military response, Operation Sindoor.

When Rauf's on-field provocation sparked row

The chain of events began on the field when Haris Rauf was subjected to chants of "Kohli, Kohli" from sections of the crowd, referencing Virat Kohli's famous assault on the bowler in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Rauf initially brushed off his ear in dismissal.

However, as the pressure mounted during India's successful chase of 172, the pacer's frustration became apparent. He first made the jet-falling gesture after dismissing Sanju Samson, and later repeated it more explicitly towards the crowd, turning an on-field exchange into a major diplomatic incident.

India's on-field reply and final berth

The Indian team's response was delivered with the bat and ball. A dominant 105-run opening stand between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill effectively neutralised Pakistan's attack, including a frustrated Rauf. 

The ultimate retort came after the match when Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh mockingly gestured towards Pakistani fans. Amidst the noise, India maintained perfect focus on the game, becoming the first team to secure a place in the Asia Cup final with an unbeaten run after Bangladesh win.