The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to challenge the verdict against fast bowler Haris Rauf for his gesture during their T20 Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours match against India, a senior PCB official told Geo News on Saturday.

The right-arm seamer was fined 30% of his match fee by the International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee.

While the board and team management were still waiting for an official announcement, it was confirmed that Rauf had been found guilty and penalised, the PCB official said.

“That’s correct,” the official said when asked about reports regarding the sanction. He added that the PCB will appeal the decision declaring Rauf guilty of breaching the code of conduct.

It remains unclear whether Rauf was fined for making a “6-0” gesture toward the crowd during the match or for showing aggression toward Indian players.

The PCB maintains that neither action constitutes a violation.

Rauf pleaded not guilty during the hearing, conducted by ICC match referee Richie Richardson.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has decided to personally cover the fine on Rauf’s behalf if the sanction is upheld even after the appeal, another PCB official said.

Separately, the PCB lodged a complaint against India captain Suryakumar Yadav for making political remarks during post-match interviews and a press conference.

The ICC sided with the PCB on the issue, finding Yadav guilty of breaching the code of conduct and fining him 30% of his match fee.

The ICC has yet to make an official statement on either case, a delay that has drawn sharp criticism from PCB chairman Naqvi.

“How much more time do you need to explain the reasons behind your balancing act?” Naqvi wrote on social media.

The development comes just a day before Pakistan and India are set to face off in the high-stakes final of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, slated for tomorrow (Sunday).

The Green Shirts set up a final against India after edging past Bangladesh by 11 runs in a Super Fours encounter on September 25.

The upcoming game marks the first time in the tournament’s history that the arch-rivals will face off in the final.

As anticipation builds for Sunday’s Asia Cup final between Pakistan and India at the Dubai Cricket Stadium, fans from both nations— and beyond— have gathered in the UAE to witness one of cricket’s most high-profile contests.

While many supporters are firmly backing their own teams, some Indian fans in Dubai have openly expressed their wish for a Pakistan victory. “I am Indian, but my heart says Pakistan should win. Times are difficult back home, and today I feel with Pakistan,” said one Indian supporter, offering prayers for the Men in Green.

Pakistani fans are pinning their hopes on fiery pace from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, while Indian supporters remain confident, singling out opener Abhishek Sharma as their trump card.

Yet amid the passion and rivalry, several fans stressed that the true spirit of the game must prevail. Cricket should build friendships, not fuel disputes. The focus should be on the game, not on unnecessary controversies,” said one spectator.

With thousands of fans flying in from across the world to watch the final live, expectations are high for a thrilling contest that will showcase the best of cricket. Whether it is Pakistan or India that lifts the trophy, many hope that, above all, the winner will be the game itself.

The Indian team has run into trouble ahead of its high-stakes clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final tomorrow.

According to media reports, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has expressed concerns over the fitness of all-rounder Hardik Pandya and batsman Abhishek Sharma just before the crucial encounter.

The reports indicated that during Friday’s thrilling Super Four stage match against Sri Lanka, both Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma suffered hamstring injuries.

Hardik Pandya reportedly sustained the injury after bowling the first over and left the field.

He remained off the field for the rest of the innings.

On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma was seen holding his right thigh during the 9th over.

He then walked off the field in the 10th over due to a hamstring issue and did not return during the second half of Sri Lanka’s innings.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, bowling coach Morne Morkel expressed concern over the fitness of both players, stating that their injuries would be assessed.

He added that Abhishek Sharma is likely to play in the final against Pakistan on September 28, while a final decision on Hardik Pandya will be made on Saturday, September 27.