The high-voltage cricket match between arch-rivals Pakistan and India has now spiraled into a storm of controversy, not over cricketing performance, but a fiery gesture that has the subcontinent buzzing.

 

Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf found himself in the eye of a media hurricane after responding to jeering Indian fans during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours clash with a set of hand gestures that quickly went viral.

 

In a moment that has split the internet and ignited debate on both sides of the border, Rauf first flashed “6-0” with his fingers — a reference to the number of Indian planes downed by the Pakistan Air Force in May’s military clashes. He then followed it up with a theatrical gesture mimicking a fighter jet soaring and crashing.

 

Instagram Post

 

 

The act drew roaring cheers from many Pakistani fans on social media, with even Defence Minister Khawaja Asif chiming in on X to applaud the cricketer.

 

But not everyone was impressed, least of all actor-director Yasir Hussain, who took to Instagram with a fiery rebuke.

 

Taking to Instagram stories, he wrote, “Brother, that’s the Pakistan Air Force’s credit, let them have it.” “Your job is to play cricket — which, frankly, you’re not doing well.”

 

 

In a previous post, he urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to suspend matches for a year and instead focus entirely on retraining and rebuilding the national squad, a statement that stirred the pot even further.

 

Meanwhile, Indian media has erupted in fury, slamming Rauf’s behavior as “unsportsmanlike” and “provocative”. Some even called for a total boycott of cricketing ties with Pakistan.

 

On Sunday, Pakistan scored 171 runs while batting first. India began their chase with an aggressive start but stumbled midway, losing four wickets in quick succession. However, steady middle-order batting guided India to a six-wicket win, securing the victory with seven balls to spare.