International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a two-match suspension on Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf For violating the ICC Code of Conduct during the Asia Cup 2025 final against India. The ban comes after Rauf earned four demerit points in two separate incidents involving inappropriate gestures on the field during the tense final.
Apart from the suspension, the ICC has also fined the fast bowler 30% of his match fee for his conduct.
ICC match referee Richie Richardson is monitoring the hearing
The decision was taken after a formal hearing conducted by ICC match referee Richie Richardson, as Rauf had initially refused to accept the charges leveled against him. The match officials reviewed footage and reports from the final before reaching their decision.
According to the ICC statement, Rauf’s actions breached Article 2.6 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to the use of force. “Obscene, offensive or insulting gestures during an international match.”
An ICC spokesperson confirmed:
“Haris Rauf’s conduct during the Asia Cup Final was deemed inappropriate and contrary to the spirit of the game. The disciplinary panel determined that a two-match suspension was warranted due to the cumulative nature of his offences.”
This is Rauf’s first major disciplinary sanction in international cricket, although he had previously received a verbal warning for on-field aggression in domestic tournaments.
Rauf’s absence is a blow to Pakistan, as he is one of their leading fast bowlers in limited overs cricket. The two-match ban means Pakistan will not get his services in the first two ODIs against South Africa at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
Suryakumar Yadav fined for comments after match
In a separate development, ICC has also fined India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav 30% of his match fee for comments made after India’s group-stage win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup on September 14.
Yadav’s remarks, which referenced India’s armed forces and support for the victims of the terrorist attack, were deemed a violation 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. “Detrimental to cricket’s image.” While the ICC has issued a monetary fine, officials have not ruled out the possibility of a formal disciplinary hearing depending on the outcome of the review.
Also read: Suryakumar Yadav called India’s best captain, selected top batsman of all three formats
Other players sanctioned for their actions during the 2025 Asia Cup
The Asia Cup 2025 was affected by several disciplinary issues involving players from both teams.
Along with Rauf and Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah was fined for making inappropriate gestures during the Asia Cup final.
Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan received an official warning and one demerit point for dissenting from the umpire’s decision.
The ICC reiterated its commitment to maintaining the spirit of cricket, warning that repeated violations could result in harsher penalties in future tournaments.
Also read: Spinners, Salman Agha lead Pakistan to thrilling win over South Africa in 1st ODI