Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav attended an International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting on Thursday, September 25, following the off-field turmoil surrounding the India-Pakistan rivalry at the Asia Cup 2025. The hearing was held in response to a complaint submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about his post-match statements after India’s victory on September 14.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently filed a complaint against Pakistani players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for making offensive gestures during the Super Four clash on September 21. Match referee Richie Richardson presided over the session, and a decision is expected before India’s last Super Four match against Sri Lanka.
The issue began when Suryakumar dedicated India’s group-stage victory over Pakistan to the Indian Armed Forces and the victims of the Pahalgam terror tragedy.
The PCB claimed his statements had political implications and violated the ICC rule of conduct. Furthermore, Suryakumar declined to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, later claiming that some things in life are more important than sportsmanship.
BCCI formally complains to ICC
In retaliation, the BCCI formally complained to the ICC after Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan’s actions during the September 21 Super Four match. Rauf was seen mimicking a fighter jet crashing, a gesture widely interpreted as a reference to recent border hostilities, while Farhan celebrated his half-century with a gesture resembling firing an assault rifle.
The PCB’s case against the Indian skipper was presented first, with the appearance alongside BCCI COO Hemang Amin and Cricket Operations Manager Summer Mallapurkar. The PCB accused him of making political statements at a sporting platform, something the ICC regulations strictly prohibit. Sources indicate that Suryakumar is unlikely to face a suspension but may be fined up to 15 percent of his match fees or issued a formal warning.
Meanwhile, the ICC will also hear the BCCI’s complaint against Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan. Rauf’s repeated 6-0 gestures, linked to Pakistan’s unsubstantiated claim of downing Indian jets earlier this year, and Farhan’s celebratory gun gesture are also set to be looked at. The BCCI has mentioned that such actions were provocative and crossed the line of acceptable conduct on the field.
Earlier, Pakistan officials even accused match referee Andy Pycroft of enabling the handshake snub between Suryakumar and Salman Ali Agha earlier in the tournament. While they threatened to boycott their match against the UAE in protest, the ICC dismissed the complaint and told Pakistan to continue.
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