‘It is not necessary at all’ – Twitter lashes out at Haris Rauf for his ‘throat-slashing’ celebration in BBL

'Calm the farm, Champion,' tweeted a user.

Cricket fans have been known to be quite picky regarding the actions of their favorite athletes on the field. But, a recent gesture by Haris Rauf in a match during the ongoing Big Bash League made the fans really unhappy.

The speedster from Pakistan, Haris Rauf, is currently playing the BBL 2019-20 for the Melbourne Stars. Rauf, in the three matches he has played so far, has done pretty well. He has picked up 10 wickets in the tournament and has maintained an excellent economy of 5.92. He is currently placed in the third position of the highest wicket-takers in this edition of the tournament.

The controversy regarding his celebration surfaced when he was seen celebrating a wicket in the style that was not liked by the fans. In the match against Sydney Thunder, after claiming his tenth wicket in the tournament, he celebrated the wicket by doing a throat-slashing gesture. Following this, the fans took to Twitter and other social media platforms to express their displeasure regarding this celebration of Rauf.

Coming to the match, the Melbourne Stars managed to stop Sydney Thunder at a score of 142 at the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs. When their turn came to bat, Marcus Stoinis and Nick Larkin shined with the bat for them and led the team to victory. Rauf had also fared pretty well and had taken three wickets in the four overs he bowled.

Prior to this controversy, Rauf, earlier in the tournament had won the hearts of his fans with a heart-warming gesture towards an Indian security guard. He had got a lot of praise from his fans. But, this time around, the same fans were enraged by his celebration on the field. His actions have provoked a cascade of tweets.

Here’s the celebration that’s stirring controversy on social media

This stump cam footage is BRUTAL! 💥 #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/0LzeLrqYTa — KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 2, 2020

From lashing out at Rauf for his embarrassing celebration to fans requesting him not to repeat the same celebration again, here’s how Twitter reacted to the Pakistan pacer’s ‘throat-slashing’ celebration. Stars next play against Renegades on January 4 at the MCG.

Here’s how Twitter reacted

#BBL09 I actually went back and googled to see if there is a precedent re: 'throat slit' gesture to see if players have been punished previously. Interesting Marlon Samuels made a throat slit gesture during the 2015 ICC World Cup but wasn't sanctioned. Haris Rauf might be safe — Summer Sports Ball (@crowdiegal) January 2, 2020

Haris Rauf is spectacular but he should change his celebration style. Throat-slashing celebration should have no place in a cricket ground. Someone needs to guide this young lad. #TeamGreen #BBL #harisrauf #bigbash #celebration #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/9ZzeqyTAMm — Sohail Khanzada (@SoheilKhanzada) January 2, 2020

Not sure we need the throat cutting gesture from Harris Rauf everytime he takes a wicket. Clearly a very good bowler but the post wicket antics are over the top. Who’s with me? — Darryl Brohman (@therealbigmarn) January 2, 2020

He’s fortunate it isn’t a contact sport… — Martin Lang (@Martin_Lang11) January 2, 2020

Honestly the throat slit gesture used in sport makes me so uncomfortable. It's not necessary at all. Sport doesn't need that shit. #BBL09 — Is Keno, Is good. (@jaykay287) January 2, 2020

I think you need to have a word with Haris Rauf The throat slashing action of his wicket celebration is totally inappropriate. You really don’t want kids emulating this kind of behaviour — Laurinda Ottaway (@LaurindaRenee) January 2, 2020

That Rauf's a top bowler – but please tell me that's not a throat-slitting wicket celebration at the family-friendly Big Bash….#BBL09 — Adam Hawse (@AdamHawse) January 2, 2020