The International Cricket Council has suspended Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf for two matches and fined Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav 30% of his match fee following code of conduct breaches during the Asia Cup 2025South Asia. The penalties, announced on November 4, 2025, stem from incidents in the three high-stakes India-Pakistan matches held on September 14, 21, and 28 — games that crackled with tension, crowd fury, and on-field flashpoints. Rauf’s suspension takes immediate effect, sidelining him for Pakistan’s upcoming ODIs against South Africa on November 4 and 6. It’s not just punishment. It’s a message: even in the heat of rivalry, some lines can’t be crossed.
What led to the suspension?
Haris Rauf’s downfall wasn’t one moment — it was two. During the September 14 match, he made a controversial "descending airplane" gesture toward Indian batters after taking a wicket. He repeated it on September 28, this time with more intensity. To many, it wasn’t just showboating; it was a deliberate, culturally insensitive taunt. The gesture, mimicking a plane diving, was interpreted by the ICC as bringing the game into disrepute under Article 2.21 of the Code of Conduct. Each incident earned him two demerit points and a 30% fine. That brought his total to four demerit points within 24 months — the threshold for an automatic two-match ban. Rauf didn’t contest the charges. He accepted them. That sped things up. But it also meant he didn’t get to tell his side in a formal hearing.
Who else got punished — and who got off scot-free?
It wasn’t just Rauf. Suryakumar Yadav was fined the same 30% of his match fee and given two demerit points for conduct deemed prejudicial during the September 14 match. Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan also received a 30% fine, though some reports suggest it may have been 40%. Meanwhile, Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh was charged under Article 2.6 for inappropriate gestures during the September 21 match — but cleared after review. The difference? Evidence. The ICC determined Singh’s gesture was reactive, not provocative. Context mattered. That’s the nuance the disciplinary panel weighed: intent, repetition, and cultural perception.
The referee behind the decision
The verdict came from Richie Richardson, the Jamaican former captain and veteran of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Richardson, who’s been officiating at this level since 2002, handled the hearings for the September 14 and 28 matches. Andy Pycroft, another elite referee, managed the September 21 proceedings. Their experience isn’t just about knowing the rules — it’s about reading the room. In matches as volatile as India-Pakistan, a single gesture can ignite riots. Richardson didn’t just punish Rauf. He signaled that the ICC won’t tolerate theatrics that turn sport into spectacle at the expense of respect.
Why this matters beyond the suspension
This isn’t just about missing two games. Rauf is Pakistan’s most lethal death-over bowler in T20s. His absence in the South Africa ODIs could ripple through their bowling strategy ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup qualifiers. Meanwhile, the BCCI and Pakistan Cricket Board both filed formal complaints — a sign of how deeply these incidents rattled both boards. The fact that the ICC moved swiftly — six weeks from final match to verdict — shows they’re under pressure to control the narrative. Fans don’t just want winners. They want integrity. And in a rivalry as charged as this one, the smallest gesture can feel like a declaration of war.
What’s next for the players and the ICC?
Rauf’s suspension ends after Pakistan’s two ODIs against South Africa. He’ll be eligible to return for their next series. But his record now carries a stain. If he gets another demerit point within the next 18 months, he faces a longer ban. For Yadav, this is his first major code violation. He’s still India’s most explosive middle-order batter — but now he’s under a microscope. The ICC’s disciplinary process, while transparent, has drawn criticism for inconsistency. Why was Singh cleared? Why did Farhan get the same penalty as Yadav? The answers aren’t public. That’s the gap the ICC needs to close. Players need clarity. Fans need trust.
Background: The history of conduct violations in India-Pakistan clashes
India-Pakistan matches have always been more than cricket. They’re national events. And over the years, tempers have flared — from Sachin Tendulkar’s famous glare in 2004, to Shoaib Akhtar’s alleged sledging in 2007, to Virat Kohli’s heated exchange with Hasan Ali in 2017. The ICC has fined players before, but rarely suspended a key bowler for gestures alone. Rauf’s case is different because it happened twice. And because it was caught on camera, replayed endlessly, and amplified by social media. The ICC’s stance is evolving: no more "it’s just passion" excuses. In the digital age, every gesture is a headline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Haris Rauf suspended for two matches and not more?
Rauf received four demerit points within 24 months under ICC rules, which triggers an automatic two-match suspension. He had previously been penalized under Article 2.21, making this a repeat offense. Had he received six points, the suspension would have been four matches. The system is tiered — severity and repetition determine penalties, not the emotional weight of the gesture alone.
How do demerit points work in ICC disciplinary rules?
Players start with zero demerit points. Each code violation adds points based on severity: minor offenses get one, major ones get two. Four points within 24 months equals a two-match ban. Points expire after 24 months. Rauf’s two penalties in September 2025 pushed him over the threshold. He had two points left over from a prior offense, likely from 2024. This system rewards consistency in conduct — and punishes repeat offenders.
Why was Arshdeep Singh cleared despite being charged?
The ICC’s Match Referee reviewed video evidence and determined Singh’s gesture was a spontaneous reaction to provocation, not a deliberate act to demean. Unlike Rauf, who repeated the gesture, Singh’s action was isolated and lacked intent to insult. The ICC distinguishes between reaction and provocation — a key nuance that saved Singh from a fine or suspension.
What impact does this have on Pakistan’s upcoming ODI series against South Africa?
Rauf’s absence leaves a void in Pakistan’s death bowling. He took 12 wickets in the Asia Cup at an economy of 7.8, often finishing matches under pressure. Without him, Pakistan may rely more on Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, potentially overworking them. Their win probability drops by an estimated 15-20% in tight finishes, according to ESPNcricinfo’s modeling. This isn’t just a loss of talent — it’s a loss of match-winning composure.
Could this affect future India-Pakistan matches?
Absolutely. The ICC has now set a precedent: gestures interpreted as culturally mocking will be punished harshly, especially in high-profile games. Players from both teams are likely to self-censor. Umpires may be more vigilant. Fans may see fewer celebrations. The balance between passion and professionalism has shifted — and the next India-Pakistan clash will be watched even more closely for every hand movement.
Is the ICC’s disciplinary process fair, or is it biased toward big teams?
The process itself is neutral — the same rules apply to all. But perception matters. India and Pakistan have more cameras, more media scrutiny, and more pressure. That means their players are more likely to be caught and punished. Smaller teams get away with similar behavior because it’s not filmed. The ICC needs to standardize enforcement across all matches, not just the high-profile ones, to maintain credibility.