The ICC has revealed why only Haris Rauf faced a two-match suspension, while no one else accused under similar sections following the Asia Cup 2025 controversy has been suspended by the International Cricket Council.
There was a major uproar at the Asia Cup trophy when players from India and Pakistan made fun of him with controversial gestures. Pakistan bowler Haris Rauf, batsman Sahibzada Farhan and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav were all booked for controversial actions with their hands.
The ICC has deemed these a Level 1 breach of the rules, with penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50% of the match fee and some demerit points.
ICC explains the reason behind the suspension of Haris Rauf
Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been handed a two-match suspension after accumulating four demerit points within a period of 2 years or 24 months. This happened after several violations of the ICC Code of Conduct.
According to ICC rules, four or more demerit points within a 24-month period lead to suspension points. Accumulation of suspension points results in a ban from one Test or two limited overs games. They remain in the player’s records for two years.
Haris Rauf was found guilty of “conduct which brings disrepute to the game” – Article 2.21 – in two separate incidents during the India-Pakistan clashes on 14 September and 28 September. Since he reached four demerit points, which led to 2 suspension points, Haris Rauf has been ruled out of the next two ODIs against South Africa on 4 November and 6 November.
Arshdeep Singh acquitted of any crime
Along with the Pakistani player, several other players were found guilty and punished by the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Suryakumar Yadav was fined 30% of his match fee and also received two demerit points for violating the same Article, 2.21.
While Sahibzada Farhan was let off with a formal warning, Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh was cleared of any offense after being cleared of alleged violation of Article 2.6. Match referee Andy Pycroft found him not guilty.
However, in the general scheme of things, Arshdeep’s actions were much more obscene than any other as he directly attacked Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf; However, his conduct did not occur while playing on the field for India.
Jasprit Bumrah had accepted the charges, denying the need for a formal hearing.
The experienced Indian fast bowler played all the matches against Pakistan in the Asia Cup. The Asia Cup saw Bumrah playing a new role as he completed his spells mostly within the powerplay and bowled just one over in the death overs.
In the Asia Cup final against Pakistan, Bumrah clean bowled Harris Rauf with a blistering yorker and then mocked the Pakistan fast bowler by making a plane crash gesture with his hand.
However, Bumrah accepted the charges under Article 2.21 and also received an official warning along with one demerit point. Since he pleaded guilty, there was no need for a formal trial.
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