After the off-field controversy surrounding the India-Pakistan rivalry at the Asia Cup 2025, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav attended a hearing held by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday, September 25. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a complaint against him for his post-match remarks following India’s victory on September 14, which prompted the hearing.
Pakistani players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan were recently the target of a complaint from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their inflammatory actions during the September 21 Super Four match. The session was overseen by match referee Richie Richardson, and a decision is anticipated prior to India’s last Super Four match against Sri Lanka.
Suryakumar’s dedication of India’s group-stage victory over Pakistan to the Indian Armed Forces and the victims of the Pahalgam terror tragedy set off the issue. The PCB said that his remarks were against the ICC code of conduct and had political implications. In addition, Suryakumar declined to shake hands with Salman Ali Agha, the captain of Pakistan, subsequently declaring that some things in life are more important than sportsmanship.
ICC receives a formal complaint from BCCI.
Following Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan’s conduct during the September 21 Super Four match, the BCCI formally complained to the ICC in retribution. Farhan commemorated his half-century with a gesture that resembled firing an assault rifle, while Rauf was observed imitating a fighter jet crashing, which was generally perceived as a reference to recent border tensions.
Alongside BCCI COO Hemang Amin and Cricket Operations Manager Summer Mallapurkar, the PCB made their case against the Indian captain first. He was charged by the PCB with making political remarks on a sporting platform, which is absolutely forbidden by ICC statutes.
According to sources, Suryakumar is unlikely to be suspended but could receive a formal warning or a punishment equal to 15% of his match earnings.
The BCCI’s case against Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan will also be heard by the ICC in the interim. Farhan’s joyous gun gesture and Rauf’s repeated 6-0 motions, which are connected to Pakistan’s unverified allegation of downing Indian jets earlier this year, will also be examined. Such acts were provocative and went beyond what was considered appropriate on the pitch, according to the BCCI.
Earlier in the tournament, Pakistani officials even accused match referee Andy Pycroft of allowing Suryakumar and Salman Ali Agha to snub each other’s handshakes. The ICC rejected the objection and instructed Pakistan to proceed, despite their protests and threats to boycott their match against the UAE.
India
