IND vs PAK - Asia Cup controversy: Haris Rauf suspended for two matches, Suryakumar Yadav fined 30 percent match fee

Haris Rauf suspended for two matches, Suryakumar Yadav fined 30 percent match fee (AP Photos)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced its verdict on the controversies surrounding India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2025. India and Pakistan met thrice during the course of the continental event but cricket took a backstage. The sentiments by players on the field reflected the heightened geo-political tension between the arch rivals in the wake of Pahalgam terrorist attack, that claimed 26 innocent lives.

As per an official communication by the ICC, Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf, who was found guilty of bringing "the game into disrepute" and was handed a two-match suspension.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav, who refused to shake hands with Pakistan players, was also found guilty of committing the same offence. He, however, was saved from any suspension but was fined 30 percent of his match fee.

As per an official release, "the hearings were conducted by members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees following incidents in the matches between India and Pakistan on 14, 21 and 28 September."

14 September 2025 – India vs Pakistan

Following a hearing conducted by ICC Match Referee Richie Richardson:

"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."

"S. Farhan (Pakistan) was found guilty of the same offence and was issued an official warning, receiving one demerit point."

"Haris Rauf (Pakistan) was also found guilty of the same offence and fined 30 per cent of his match fee, resulting in two demerit points."

21 September 2025 – India vs Pakistan

Following a hearing conducted by ICC Match Referee Andy Pycroft:

"Arshdeep Singh (India) was found not guilty of an alleged breach of Article 2.6, which pertains to using a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting, and therefore no sanction was imposed."

28 September 2025 – Final, India vs Pakistan

"Jasprit Bumrah (India) accepted a charge under Article 2.21 for conduct that brings the game into disrepute and the proposed sanction of an official warning, which resulted in one demerit point. As he accepted the sanction, no formal hearing was required."

"Following a hearing conducted by ICC Match Referee Richie Richardson, Haris Rauf (Pakistan) was again found guilty of a breach of Article 2.21. He was fined 30 per cent of his match fee and received two additional demerit points."

"This takes Rauf’s total to four demerit points within a 24-month period, resulting in two suspension points under the ICC’s disciplinary framework. In accordance with the Code, Rauf is therefore suspended for Pakistan’s ODI games against South Africa on 4 and 6 November 2025."