Haris Rauf has once again made headlines for reasons that have nothing to do with his bowling. Despite being Pakistan’s standout performer with the ball in their Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against India, where he returned impressive figures in a six-wicket defeat, the spotlight quickly shifted to his controversial behaviour. The pacer’s provocative ‘6-0’ gesture toward Indian fans at the Dubai International Stadium has drawn widespread backlash.
The gesture, widely interpreted as a nod to Pakistan’s unverified claims of downing Indian fighter jets after the Pahalgam terror attack, overshadowed his on-field performance. Rauf’s antics reignited debate about his temperament, with many criticising him for letting emotions take precedence over professionalism. Unfortunately, this is not the first time his off-field conduct has stirred controversy.
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In June 2024, Rauf was caught in a viral video that showcased an ugly altercation with a fan. The clip, recorded while he was walking with his wife, showed him charging aggressively toward a man on a sidewalk, hurling expletives and nearly coming to blows. Security guards and bystanders intervened to restrain him, but Rauf continued to attempt to break free.
Throwback: When Haris Rauf faced backlash after a viral video showed him angrily confronting a fan, shouting “Gaali baap ko de raha hai” and assuming he was Indian. #HarisRaufhttps://t.co/4eyrBDXg9p
— News18 CricketNext (@cricketnext) September 22, 2025
Reports suggested the incident began when the fan requested a photo, which Rauf declined. The fan allegedly responded with a remark that enraged the cricketer. In the video, Rauf can be heard shouting, “Gaali baap ko de raha hai? (How can you abuse my father?).” Believing the man was Indian, he turned to his wife and said, “Indian hi hai yeh (He must be Indian).” When the fan clarified he was Pakistani, Rauf’s anger only escalated further.
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The episode divided opinion across social media. While some sympathised with Rauf for reacting to personal insults, many felt he could have handled the situation with more composure. The controversy arose at a low point for Pakistan cricket, following their early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies, where defeats to the USA and India had already left fans disillusioned.
