The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh, accusing him of making an obscene gesture during India’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against Pakistan. The allegation comes just days before the high-profile final, further escalating the already intense rivalry between the two nations.
According to the PCB’s submission, the incident took place during India’s six-wicket victory in Dubai on September 21. The board contends that Arshdeep’s gesture was directed toward sections of the crowd, breaching the ICC’s Code of Conduct and undermining the spirit of the game. The PCB has demanded strict disciplinary action, citing the need for players to maintain professionalism, especially in contests involving cricket’s fiercest rivals.
This complaint is part of a broader chain of disciplinary disputes during the ongoing Asia Cup. Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) raised its own protests against Pakistani players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for alleged provocative actions during the same match. The PCB responded by defending its players and countering with fresh complaints, including this one against Arshdeep. India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav also came under fire from the PCB over his post-match remarks, which they deemed inflammatory.
The ICC now faces the difficult task of reviewing the multiple complaints lodged by both boards. Sanctions, if imposed, could range from formal warnings and fines to suspensions, depending on the findings and severity of the actions. With so many allegations flying both ways, the governing body will be under pressure to demonstrate fairness and ensure its rulings do not inflame political or sporting tensions further.
For Arshdeep, who has become one of India’s most dependable limited-overs bowlers in recent years, the controversy is an unwelcome distraction ahead of a crucial final. While he has yet to issue a personal response, the BCCI is expected to back him robustly, though it will also emphasize compliance with the game’s ethical standards.
The timing of the complaint—on the eve of the final—has sparked debate among fans and commentators. Some view it as a tactical ploy by the PCB to unsettle India, while others insist that such behavior must be addressed regardless of the context. Either way, it underscores how off-field disputes have become almost as significant as on-field performances in Indo-Pak cricket encounters.
The ICC’s decision will likely be closely watched, not just by the two boards but by the global cricketing community. A ruling against Arshdeep would mark a stern reminder that the sport’s image must be protected, while a dismissal of the complaint could fuel claims of bias and further sour relations. For now, the episode adds yet another layer of drama to an Asia Cup already defined by fierce rivalry and controversy.
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