Explained: What the '6-0' gesture by Pakistan against India during Asia Cup 2025 really means

Divy Dubey

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Explained: What the '6-0' gesture by Pakistan against India during Asia Cup 2025 really means image

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India vs Pakistan clashes are rarely short on drama - both on and off the field. The latest Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match in Dubai was no different as emotions spilled over in front of a packed crowd.

Amid the cricketing action, a moment from Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has become the biggest talking point: one that has stirred criticism and debate far beyond the scoreboard.

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Haris Rauf’s '6-0' gesture

During the September 21 clash, Rauf turned toward the crowd and flashed a '6-0' hand sign while mimicking a fighter jet.

The gesture was reportedly in response to Indian supporters chanting "Kohli, Kohli," reminding him of the two iconic sixes Virat Kohli struck against him in the 2022 T20 World Cup.

More: BCCI complains to ICC against Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan's actions during IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 - Report

Rauf's actions didn’t stop there. According to reports, he had already been chanting "6-0" during Pakistan's training session a day earlier.

What the '6-0' gesture means for Pakistan

The gesture refers to a claim within Pakistan that six Indian Air Force aircraft were allegedly shot down during Operation Sindoor in May. While the claim itself has been widely disputed, it has been used in propaganda narratives across the border.

More: Virat Kohli’s iconic six vs Haris Rauf still haunting Pakistan? Tanvir Ahmed and Asif Khan say it flipped momentum

By bringing it into a cricketing context, Rauf's act drew sharp criticism with many fans and analysts calling it inappropriate and disrespectful in a sporting arena.

On the field, Rauf's impact was uneven. He dismissed India captain Suryakumar Yadav for a duck and finished with two wickets but conceded 18 runs in just 11 balls to openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill.

Rauf's actions were part of a larger pattern on the night. Abhishek Sharma responded with an "L" sign toward the crowd while Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his half-century with a gun-firing gesture using his bat.

These moments underline how the India-Pakistan rivalry often stretches beyond cricket where symbolism can spark as much reaction as the game itself.

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Divy Dubey

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.