Asia Cup 2025 Fiasco: In the aftermath of the fiery India-Pakistan showdowns in the 2025 Asia Cup, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed strict sanctions on several players for breaches of the Code of Conduct.
Haris Rauf’s suspension
Pakistan’s pacer Haris Rauf has been suspended for the first two One-Day Internationals against South Africa (scheduled for November 4 and 6) after accumulating four demerit points within 24 months, the trigger for an automatic ban under ICC rules.
The charges relate to his alleged gestures during the Super 4 match vs India, including a “6-0” hand signal and a plane crash mimic, widely interpreted as politically charged and aimed at the Indian crowd.
🚨🚨 Big Breaking:
– ICC has banned Haris Rauf for 2 games for his 6-0 gesture against team India during Asia Cup.
– ICC announced the ban through press release today.
– Decision of Asia Cup trophy to come soon. pic.twitter.com/fQBUWXn7Qo---Advertisement---— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) November 4, 2025
India’s Suryakumar Yadav & Jasprit Bumrah face penalties
India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav and fast-bowler Jasprit Bumrah have also been sanctioned, though not suspended. Yadav was fined 30% of his match fee for comments deemed to have political overtones following India’s September 14 group-stage win. Bumrah received a warning and one demerit point for his role in the final.
Further action for Sahibzada Farhan
Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has been fined 30% of his match fee and given one demerit point for celebrating his half-century with an AK-47-style bat gesture.
Why this matters
- The sanctions illustrate the ICC’s growing intolerance for in-match behaviour that drifts into political commentary or provocative gestures – especially in high-tension matches.
- Rauf’s suspension is particularly significant given the India-Pakistan rivalry and the spotlight on player conduct in marquee fixtures.
- The disciplined approach sends a message: on-field aggression is allowed, but not when it crosses the line into political provocation or the breach of sportsmanship.
What’s next
Both the boards – Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) retain the right to appeal. Further statements and updates are expected from the ICC shortly.
