A recent tweet by former umpire Richard Kettleborough alleges that Haris Rauf will be banned for 3 matches, and lose 100 % match fees starting from his match on 21 September. The ban is claimed to be imposed because Rauf made “war references” in a cricket ground and misbehaved with fans.
You can see the tweet here:
🚨 HARIS RAUF – BANNED FOR 3 MATCHES 🚨
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) September 26, 2025
– ICC is going to impose a 3 match ban on Haris Rauf including 100% match fees from 21st sept match for bringing "War References" to the Cricket Ground & misbehaving with fans 😮
– What's your take #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/TtIfmlSVSY
If this turns out to be true, it would be one of the more serious punishments in recent cricket controversies.
What Exactly Happened?
- According to Kettleborough’s tweet, the punishment is for bringing war references to the ground and misbehaving with fans.
- The ban and fine are said to begin from his match on 21 September.
- So far, no official statement from ICC or the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed this. (At the time of writing, it is based on this leaked tweet.)
Past Incidents: Why This Is Not the First Time
To understand why this is controversial, it helps to look at earlier episodes involving Haris Rauf:
- “6-0” gesture controversy
During the Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan, Rauf was seen making a “6-0” hand gesture towards Indian fans. Many interpreted this as a reference to disputed military claims.
He also mimicked a fighter jet motion near the fans, which increased the outrage. - Tension with fans and players
In that same match, there was a moment when Rauf charged toward a fan seeking a selfie, nearly turning into a physical confrontation. - He also exchanged heated words with Indian batters Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill during play.
- Protests and formal complaints
After these gestures, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lodged a formal complaint with the ICC against Rauf and another Pakistani player, Sahibzada Farhan.
In retaliation, the Pakistan Cricket Board filed a complaint against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav over his comments related to a terror attack and alleged military operations.
These earlier incidents show that Rauf has already been under scrutiny for mixing cricket and provocative gestures.
What This Ban Would Mean
If the 3-match ban is confirmed:
- Rauf will miss three international matches.
- He will lose his match fee for all those games.
- It would send a strong message that bringing politics, war references, or provocative behavior into sport may lead to strict consequences.
On the flip side:
- Some will argue that cricket should remain separate from political or military symbolism.
- Others will claim that in heated India-Pakistan rivalries, emotions run high, and players sometimes push boundaries.
Read Also:- Haris Rauf vs Abhishek Sharma Fight
What’s Next?
- A confirmation is needed from ICC or PCB to verify this ban is real (so far, it’s from the tweet).
- If confirmed, Rauf may have to appear before a disciplinary committee and present his side.
- The cricketing world will watch how strict the punishment will be and whether similar actions are taken in future matches.
This controversy raises larger questions: Where is the line between passion, gamesmanship, and crossing into unacceptable conduct? And how should sports authorities respond when players mix politics or war symbolism with sport?
