ICC bans Haris Rauf for two matches; Suryakumar Yadav faces suspension threat

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a two-match suspension on Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf for violating the ICC Code of Conduct during the Asia Cup 2025 final against India. The ban comes after Rauf accumulated four demerit points across two separate incidents involving inappropriate on-field gestures during the tense final.

In addition to the suspension, the ICC has also fined the fast bowler 30% of his match fee for his conduct.

The decision followed formal hearings conducted by ICC Match Referee Richie Richardson, as Rauf initially refused to accept the charges laid against him. The match officials reviewed footage and reports from the final before reaching their verdict.

According to the ICC’s statement, Rauf’s actions breached Article 2.6 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to the use of “obscene, offensive or insulting gestures during an international match.”

A spokesperson for the ICC confirmed:

“Haris Rauf’s behavior during the Asia Cup final was deemed inappropriate and contrary to the spirit of the game. The disciplinary panel determined that the cumulative nature of his offenses warranted a two-match suspension.”

This is Rauf’s first major disciplinary sanction in international cricket, though he previously received verbal warnings for on-field aggression in domestic tournaments.

Rauf’s absence is a setback for Pakistan, as he remains one of their leading pacers in limited-overs cricket. The two-match ban means Pakistan will be without his services in the first two ODIs against South Africa at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

In a separate development, the ICC has also fined India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav 30% of his match fee for comments made following India’s group-stage victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup on September 14.

Yadav’s remarks, which referenced support for India’s armed forces and victims of a terror attack, were deemed a breach of Article 2.7 – “conduct that brings the game into disrepute.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a formal complaint, arguing that Yadav’s comments were politically charged and “detrimental to the image of cricket.” While the ICC has issued a monetary fine, officials have not ruled out the possibility of a formal disciplinary hearing depending on the review’s outcome.

Also READ: Suryakumar Yadav reveals India’s best captain, picks top batters of all three formats

The Asia Cup 2025 was marred by multiple disciplinary issues involving players from both teams.

Alongside Rauf and Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah was fined for making an inappropriate gesture during the Asia Cup final.

Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan received an official warning and one demerit point for showing dissent toward the umpire’s decision.

The ICC reiterated its commitment to maintaining the spirit of cricket, warning that repeated breaches could lead to harsher penalties in future tournaments.

Also READ: Spinners, Salman Agha guide Pakistan to a thrilling win over South Africa in 1st ODI