Mumbai: Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been docked 30 percent match fees for violation of ICC Code of Conduct while opening batter Sahibzada Farhan let off with a reprimand following disciplinary hearings conducted by match referee Richie Richardson, it is learnt.
ICC Investigates Heated India-Pakistan Asia Cup Controversies; Suryakumar Fined, Rauf and Farhan Warned
The ongoing Asia Cup has been marred by off-field controversies, with players from both India and Pakistan facing disciplinary action for alleged breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct during the high-voltage clashes.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has been fined 30% of his match fee for comments deemed political in nature after the September 14 Group Stage game. Yadav had dedicated India’s seven-wicket win to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the Indian armed forces. He repeated his dedication in the post-match press conference, referencing “Operation Sindoor”, India’s military action across the Line of Control. ICC rules strictly prohibit political messaging on the field of play. India has appealed the sanction, with an official word from the ICC still awaited.
On the Pakistani side, fast bowler Haris Rauf and batter Farhan were also pulled up for on-field gestures during the September 21 Super Fours clash.
Haris Rauf’s Plane Gesture
Rauf was filmed allegedly mimicking a crashing plane toward Indian supporters in the stands, an act widely interpreted as a reference to recent armed conflict. He also flashed a 6-0 hand gesture, believed to allude to past skirmishes. Despite pleading not guilty, Rauf was found in violation of the Code of Conduct.
Farhan’s Machine-Gun Celebration
Farhan, after scoring a fifty, mimicked firing a machine gun — a move that sparked immediate backlash. The batter defended himself by calling it a “common cultural expression,” with the Pakistan camp citing precedents where Indian stars like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli had celebrated in similar fashion. Farhan was let off with a warning.
“That celebration was just a moment at that time… I don’t care how people take it,” Farhan told reporters.
Meanwhile, the tournament has also seen diplomatic tensions. The Pakistan Cricket Board lodged a complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft, seeking his removal over perceived bias in handling the incidents. The ICC dismissed the demand, with Pycroft issuing only a limited apology for any “miscommunication.”
Despite the storm, the cricketing action continues, with India and Pakistan set to meet in the Asia Cup final on Sunday. This will be the first-ever final clash between the two arch-rivals in Asia Cup history. India, the most successful side with eight titles, will look to extend their dominance, while Pakistan, two-time champions, aim to script history.
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