Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been banned for two matches, while India’s Suryakumar Yadav was fined 30 per cent of his match fees and handed two demerit points. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced these decisions after completing official hearings into incidents that took place during the India vs Pakistan matches in the Asia Cup 2025.
The hearings were conducted by members of the ICC’s Elite Panel of Match Referees following controversial moments in the games between the arch-rivals on September 14, 21 and 28.
Suryakumar Yadav was found guilty of breaching Article 2.21 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with conduct that brings the game into disrepute. Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan was also found guilty of the same offence for his “gun celebration” after scoring a half-century in the Super 4 clash in Dubai. He was given an official warning and one demerit point.
Meanwhile, Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh was cleared of any wrongdoing after a gesture he made following India’s win went viral. The ICC found no breach of Article 2.6, which relates to obscene or offensive gestures.
Jasprit Bumrah accepted an official warning and one demerit point after imitating Haris Rauf’s gesture during the Super 4 match. Since he accepted the charge, no hearing was required.
Haris Rauf, however, faced the harshest punishment. After another hearing, he was again found guilty of breaching Article 2.21, fined 30 per cent of his match fee and received two more demerit points – resulting in a two-match ban.
The incidents that sparked controversy
Haris Rauf – “6-0” and plane gesture
Rauf drew criticism for his on-field gestures during the Asia Cup. When Indian fans chanted “Kohli, Kohli” – recalling Virat Kohli’s famous sixes off him in the 2022 T20 World Cup – Rauf responded by signaling “6-0” with his hands.
Later, he made a “plane” gesture, which many on social media interpreted as mocking Indian supporters. Both actions went viral and were investigated under the ICC Code of Conduct.
Sahibzada Farhan – Gun celebration
Farhan’s half-century celebration, where he mimed firing a gun with his bat, sparked debate online. While some fans saw it as playful, others called it insensitive given the political tensions surrounding India-Pakistan matches. The ICC deemed it inappropriate and issued him an official warning.
Suryakumar Yadav – Refusal to shake hands
After India’s win, Suryakumar and a few teammates walked straight to the dressing room, skipping the customary post-match handshake with the Pakistani players.
The gesture was seen as a reflection of the strong emotions and sentiments attached to India-Pakistan fixtures.
The ICC said all players had the right to appeal, but so far, none have challenged the decisions.