The Haris Rauf controversy has taken a new turn, with reports from Pakistan claiming that the fast bowler was penalized with demerit points by the ICC without being officially informed.
According to Geo Super, Haris Rauf was initially told that his fine could be reduced if he pleaded guilty during the hearing, but when he refused, he was fined 30 percent of his match fee.
ICC added demerit points to Haris Rauf’s account without any notice
But the shocking thing is that the demerit points were allegedly added without any prior notice to Rauf or the Pakistan cricket team management. The dispute came to light during the heated clash between India and Pakistan during the Asia Cup 2025 on September 14, 21 and 28 in Dubai.
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The matches were already filled with emotions as it was the first meeting between the two sides after the Pahalgam terror attack, which led to political tension. From no handshakes to provocative celebrations, the rivalry went beyond the boundaries of cricket.
Rauf’s “6-0” and plane crash gestures during the first match on 14 September resulted in him being fined 30 percent of his match fee, and was also given two demerit points for his provocative behavior towards Indian players and fans.
ICC action taken on Haris Rauf’s ‘plane crash’ gesture
The situation became worse during the Asia Cup 2025 final on 28 September. Following a hearing led by ICC match referee Richie Richardson, Rauf was again fined 30 per cent and given two more demerit points, taking his tally to four, earning him an automatic two-match suspension.
The Pakistani fast bowler’s actions were reviewed under Article 2.21 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to conduct that may bring the game into disrepute. In one viral moment, Rauf was seen mimicking a plane crash with his hands, a controversial political reference to past cross-border incidents between India and Pakistan.
Apart from Rauf, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was also fined 30 per cent of his match fee and given two demerit points under the same article for making politically sensitive remarks. Additionally, Pakistan batsman Sahibzada Farhan received an official warning and one demerit point for celebrating his half-century with a gun-like gesture.
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Haris Rauf suspended for two matches due to misconduct in Asia Cup 2025
Earlier, Haris Rauf was suspended for two matches after violating the ICC Code of Conduct during the Asia Cup 2025 final against India on September 28. The ICC confirmed that the decision came after a hearing with the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
As a result, Rauf will not be able to play in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa. The Pakistan fast bowler was found guilty of misconduct during the tense final. He will be available to play again after serving the two-match ban.
“Following a hearing conducted by ICC Match Referee Richie Richardson, Haris Rauf was again found guilty of a breach of Article 2.21. He was fined 30 per cent of his match fee and received two additional demerit points,” the ICC said in a statement.
The statement further read, “This brings Rauf’s total demerit points to four within a 24-month period, resulting in two suspension points. In line with the Code, Rauf has been suspended for Pakistan’s ODI matches against South Africa on 4 and 6 November.”
