• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has come out in public support of pacer Haris Rauf after the row over his '6‑0' gesture during the Asia Cup match against India on Sunday. The gesture, made when he was involved in an argument on the field, has evoked heated debate among fans and the media from both nations.

The incident occurred when Rauf confronted Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill during the match. The pacer was seen making a ‘6‑0’ gesture, widely interpreted as a reference to Pakistan’s unverified claim of shooting down six Indian fighter jets during “Operation Sindoor” in May. Rauf also mimicked crashing planes toward Indian fans, escalating the controversy and drawing attention to the broader cricketing and political context.

ALSO READ: Is Trump Weaponising Immigration Through H1-B Visa Policy? Experts Expose US President's Xenophobic Agenda

Minister’s Support

Resharing an X post by Ayab Ahmed, a columnist for the Pakistani publication Daily Times, Defence Minister Asif praised Rauf’s actions. In Urdu, he wrote, “Haris Rauf is treating them right. Keep it up. Cricket matches keep happening... but 6‑0 will not be forgotten by India until the Judgement Day, and the world will remember it too.”

Ahmed also shared another video showing Rauf mimicking planes being shot down, adding, “Haris Rauf bringing Bharat back to its senses!” along with a Pakistani flag and grinning emoji.

Disputed Claims Of Fighter Jet Shootdown

Pakistan’s claim of having downed six Indian fighter jets has not been verified to date. The Pakistani government has provided no evidence beyond its statement. India’s Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, stated in August that Pakistan had lost six military aircraft, five fighter jets and one large aircraft, possibly a surveillance plane, which he described as neutralised at a range of 300km, marking the “largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill.”

ALSO READ: 3.7 Crore Affair Gone Wrong: Chinese Woman Pays Lover In Millions To Divorce His Wife, Then Sued Him | Here's What Happened Next

Despite Rauf’s provocative gestures, India dominated the match. Even in the face of Rauf's taunting antics, India overwhelmed the match. Indian openers Shubman Gill (47) and Abhishek Sharma (74 off 39) built a solid partnership, chasing down Pakistan's 171/5 with seven balls to spare. The match revealed India's cricket superiority even as Rauf's antics got everyone talking.

Rauf’s wife, Muzna Masood Malik, also shared a photo of him making the controversial ‘6‑0’ gesture on Instagram, captioning it: “Lost the game but won the battle!”