Pakistan quick Haris Rauf’s wicket celebrations during the Melbourne Stars clash against Sydney Thundey on Thursday in the Big Bash League has sparked outrage among fans.

Rauf’s bowling was instrumental in restricting Thunder to 142/7 as the pacer finished with 3/24, taking his tournament’s tally to ten wickets in three games.

WATCH: Haris Rauf continues to impress in BBL

However, after taking each of his three wickets, the right-arm pacer made a throat-slitting gesture which didn’t sit well with some viewers.

The infuriated fans took to Twitter, to express their disapproval of Rauf’s celebration.

Rauf’s teammate Nick Larkin came to the pacer’s defense and said that the 26-year-old is just grateful to be part of the tournament.

“I didn’t see it out there but he’s a passionate guy so it wouldn’t surprise me if he was jumping around and carrying on,” said Larkin. “He’s excited when he’s taking wickets and I think he’s really grateful for the opportunity to be playing in the BBL.”

Rauf was added to the Stars squad in place of Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who is being rested due to an injury.

The 26-year-old pacer was earlier removed from the Stars’ contingent after the arrival of South Africa’s fast-bowler Dale Steyn, despite a dream start to the tournament — which saw him pick seven wickets in two games.