On Tuesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) gave a green signal to the decisions made by the various Code of Conduct- hearings resulting from the incidents that took place during the ICC Asia Cup 2025. The members of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, who were the judges at the hearings, dealt with the disputes which arose from the games India vs. Pakistan on September 14, 21, and 28.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was charged with 30 per cent of his match fee for his “Pahalgam tribute” comments which he made after India’s group-stage win over Pakistan on September 14. After the seven-wicket victory, Yadav had dedicated the win to the Indian Armed Forces and expressed solidarity with the families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, comments that caused Pakistan to lodge an official Complaint.
“Suryakumar Yadav (India) was found guilty of a breach of Article 2.21 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to conduct that brings the game into disrepute. He was fined 30 per cent of his match fee and received two demerit points,” the ICC said in an official statement.
Meanwhile, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf faced a harsher penalty, and teammate Sahibzada Farhan received an official warning. Rauf was fined 30 per cent of his match fee and suspended after making provocative gestures during the Super Four clash against India on September 21. The pacer’s “6-0” taunt towards Indian fans and a plane-fall gesture drew widespread criticism, leading the BCCI to file a complaint with the ICC. Match Referee Richie Richardson conducted the hearing.
“Farhan was issued an official warning and received one demerit point,” the ICC statement added.
Rauf was also penalized again for repeating the same plane-fall gesture during the Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan. “Following a hearing conducted by ICC Match Referee Richie Richardson, Haris Rauf (Pakistan) was again found guilty of breaching Article 2.21. He was fined 30 per cent of his match fee and received two additional demerit points,” the ICC confirmed.
This takes Rauf’s tally to four demerit points within a 24-month period, resulting in two suspension points under the ICC’s disciplinary framework. Consequently, he will miss Pakistan’s upcoming ODI matches against South Africa on November 4 and 6, 2025.
