Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has taken a significant step to support fast bowler Haris Rauf after the International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed a fine on him. The ICC penalized Rauf 30% of his match fee for using "abusive language" during the Super Fours match against India in the Asia Cup.
According to reports, the incident occurred during the high-voltage match at the Dubai International Stadium on September 21, where Rauf was involved in heated exchanges with Indian batters. He was also seen making gestures toward the crowd that referenced Pakistan's claims of downing six Indian fighter jets during Operation Sindoor. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially lodged a complaint with the ICC against Rauf and opening batter Sahibzada Farhan, citing their inappropriate actions during the match. Farhan received a warning for a controversial celebration.
In response to the ICC's decision, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has decided to personally cover the fine amount imposed on Rauf. This decision highlights Naqvi's support for the bowler and potentially aims to boost his morale.
It's important to note that Haris Rauf recently faced disciplinary action from the PCB earlier in the year. In February 2024, the PCB terminated Rauf's central contract after he refused to join the Test team for the tour of Australia. The PCB also denied him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in foreign T20 tournaments until June 30, 2024. The PCB stated that Rauf did not provide any medical report or justifiable reason for opting out of the Test series. Rauf was given a personal hearing on January 30, 2024, but his response was found unsatisfactory.
Despite these past issues, Naqvi's gesture to personally pay Rauf's fine indicates a willingness to support the player and move forward. This action could be seen as an attempt to create a more positive environment within the team.
The ICC also took action against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for his remarks on the Pahalgam terror attack, fining him an identical 30% of his match fee. The Pakistan Cricket Board had also filed complaints with the ICC against Suryakumar Yadav.
