India captain Suryakumar Yadav has been found guilty by the ICC of breaching the code of conduct for comments that alluded to the military skirmish between India and Pakistan, following their group match in the Asia Cup on September 14. India have appealed against the verdict, while the exact sanction is yet to be confirmed but is expected to include demerit points and/or a fine.
ICC rejects not-guilty plea, appeal pending
It is understood Suryakumar’s not-guilty plea was rejected by ICC match referee Richie Richardson. The PCB had complained that Suryakumar’s post-match remarks, including at the presentation ceremony, constituted political messaging. The complaint quoted Suryakumar’s words: he “dedicated today’s victory to our armed forces,” specifying it referred to India’s armed forces involved in a military operation against Pakistan in May.
The PCB had demanded a Level 4 sanction, reserved for the most serious breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct, citing previous instances where the ICC blocked or fined players for political messaging, such as Usman Khawaja’s attempt to wear shoes with the message “Freedom is a human right” during the Gaza conflict.
Pakistan players under scrutiny for on-field gestures
Two Pakistan players, Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf, faced disciplinary hearings after their Super Four match against India on September 21. Farhan celebrated his half-century by miming the firing of a gun, while Rauf made gestures that alluded to the downing of aircraft. Both players pleaded not guilty, arguing their actions were not political in nature. “Spur of the moment” was Farhan’s defense for his celebration.
While no official verdict has been announced for the Pakistan players, they are understood to be likely to face fines. The incidents come amid heightened tension between the sides, with India refusing handshakes at the toss and post-match during their group game, which India won by seven wickets. Abhishek Sharma later accused Pakistan of “coming at us for no reason,” highlighting the growing friction between the teams.
The ICC appeal for Suryakumar is yet to be scheduled, but it could affect his sanction depending on the outcome, especially with India set to face Sri Lanka in their last Super Four match on Friday evening and Pakistan again in the final on Sunday. All 3 of them will play in the finals.