Salman Ali Agha to be fined!! Pakistan captain openly supports Haris Rauf despite ICC penalty

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha has opened up about fast bowler Haris Rauf's controversial gestures ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final against India, set to be played in Dubai. The middle-order batter backed Rauf’s actions and added that he has no issues with bowlers showing some aggression on the field.

Pakistan will lock horns with India in the final on Sunday, September 28. Notably, the Suryakumar Yadav-led team defeated their archrivals twice at the same venue earlier in the tournament. They recorded a seven-wicket victory in the group-stage match, followed by a six-wicket win in the Super 4 clash.

Haris Rauf Fined for Aggressive Gestures in Asia Cup 2025 Clash vs India

The BCCI lodged a formal complaint against Haris Rauf and opener Sahibzada Farhan for provocative behaviour during the Super 4 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 21.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Rauf made controversial gestures when fans chanted ‘Kohli, Kohli’ from the stands during the match. He mimicked a fighter jet and displayed a “6-0” signal linked to a false propaganda claim. He also engaged in confrontations with Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill.

The ICC penalized Rauf with a 30% match-fee fine for using abusive language and making aggressive gestures. It is worth mentioning that the rivalry heated up between the two teams after India declined to shake hands with Pakistan in the group-stage match.

Salman Ali Agha Defends Bowlers’ Aggression but Warns Against Crossing the Line

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Salman Ali Agha supported players displaying aggression on the field. However, he stated that aggression must stay within limits. The Pakistan skipper made these remarks in response to an Indian journalist’s question about Haris Rauf’s gestures.

“If you take away the aggression from the fast bowlers, then I don't think he will bowl with the same effectiveness he should have, so I have no problem with that. If any individual wants to get aggressive on the field, be it from our side or their side, they are most welcome,” Salman Agha said.

Every Individual Has Their Own Ways - Salman Ali Agha

Salman Ali Agha spoke about the controversial gestures by players, including Sahibzada Farhan’s rifle mimic and Haris Rauf’s “6-0” gesture. Agha added that players should be allowed to express their emotions, as removing that freedom would diminish their impact on the field.

“Every individual has their own ways. If someone wants to be aggressive on the ground, then why not? If you take the aggression from a fast bowler, then what’s left?” Agha remarked.

India will enter the final unbeaten with six consecutive victories. Suryakumar Yadav had previously dedicated the group-stage victory against Pakistan to the Indian Armed Forces and the victims. Notably, the Men in Blue are expected to avoid handshakes with Pakistan in the summit clash as well.

Also read: Sarfaraz Khan clears yo-yo test with this score! To be added to Test squad vs West Indies?