The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken disciplinary action against Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the Asia Cup 2025.
Suryakumar has been fined 30 per cent of his match fee and given two demerit points, while Rauf has been handed a two-match suspension after collecting four demerit points.
According to the ICC, the sanctions stem from incidents during the India–Pakistan matches that occurred on September 14, 21 and 28. Suryakumar was charged under Article 2.21 - “conduct that brings the game into disrepute” for dedicating India’s win over Pakistan to the Indian armed forces after the Pahalgam match.
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Rauf faced punishment for provocative on-field gestures, including imitating a plane crash and flashing a “6–0” sign, seen as taunts during the Super 4 encounter.
Tensions on and off the field
The Asia Cup was marked by visible tension between the two teams. After India’s five-wicket win over Pakistan in the final on September 28 in Dubai, the Indian players reportedly declined to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan interior minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Rauf’s ban means he will miss Pakistan’s two ODIs against South Africa on November 4 and 6.
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The bigger picture
The ICC said emotions had run high and reminded players to uphold the spirit of the game. The episode once again highlighted how India–Pakistan cricket extends beyond the boundary, often reflecting the countries’ political and cultural rivalries.
As both boards prepare for further ICC meetings, questions remain over how the sport’s governing body will handle such flashpoints in future tournaments.
