ICC Takes Action Against Players Following Controversial Asia Cup 2025
ICC Disciplinary Measures Post Asia Cup 2025
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed sanctions on Pakistani bowler Haris Rauf and Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the aftermath of the Asia Cup 2025 disputes. During this year's tournament, India faced Pakistan three times, securing victories in all matches, including the thrilling final held at Dubai International Stadium on September 28.
The encounters between India and Pakistan were overshadowed by several controversies. Notably, the Indian team refrained from shaking hands with their rivals as a protest against the Pahalgam terror attack. Additionally, Rauf made inappropriate gestures aimed at mocking the Indian armed forces, while Bumrah's reaction to Rauf's celebration also drew criticism.
Suryakumar Yadav found himself in the spotlight as well, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) criticized him for dedicating India's group stage win to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and the Indian defense forces.
Disciplinary Actions by ICC
Following complaints from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and PCB, the ICC held hearings for Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan, and Suryakumar Yadav. Both Suryakumar and Rauf were fined 30% of their match fees for violating the code of conduct, while Farhan received only a warning.
According to the ICC's latest announcement, Suryakumar Yadav was penalized with two demerit points for bringing the game into disrepute, in addition to the 30% fine. Sahibzada Farhan also received a demerit point for similar misconduct.
Haris Rauf accumulated a total of four demerit points due to his provocative actions during both the Super 4 match and the final, resulting in a two-match suspension that will keep him out of the first two ODIs against South Africa.
Further Sanctions and Controversies
The ICC's press release detailed the penalties: Suryakumar Yadav faced a 30% fine and two demerit points, while Farhan received one demerit point. Rauf was also fined 30% of his match fee and received two demerit points for his actions during the group stage match. Jasprit Bumrah was similarly fined 30% and received one demerit point for a controversial send-off gesture after dismissing Rauf.
Arshdeep Singh was cleared of any wrongdoing under Article 2.6, which pertains to obscene or offensive gestures, and faced no sanctions.
The Asia Cup 2025 was marked by numerous controversies, including Pakistan's on-field provocations and the political tensions surrounding the matches.
Trophy Controversy Following Asia Cup 2025
Despite winning the Asia Cup 2025, Team India has yet to receive the trophy, as PCB and ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi took the silverware following the final. The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, declined to accept the trophy due to Naqvi's controversial social media posts, including one featuring a plane crash gesture.
After a prolonged wait for the presentation ceremony, Team India celebrated without the trophy, as Naqvi insisted on withholding it. The PCB chairman, who also serves as Pakistan's interior minister, remained adamant about handing the trophy to Yadav in Dubai.
With the BCCI refusing Naqvi's demands, the Asia Cup trophy is currently secured at the ACC's Dubai office, prompting the BCCI to consider escalating the matter to the ICC. BCCI officials, including president Mithun Manhas, secretary Devajit Saikia, and vice president Rajeev Shukla, are in Dubai for the ICC annual meeting, where they plan to formally address Naqvi's conduct and demand the trophy's immediate return.