ICC reprimands Haris Rauf & Sahibzada Farhan ahead of the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final
Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has reportedly been fined 30 percent of his match fee for using abusive language and making aggressive gestures during the high-voltage Super 4 clash against India in the Asia Cup 2025. The incident, which occurred while Rauf was fielding near the boundary, drew attention for its intensity and unsportsmanlike nature. Match officials deemed his conduct in violation of the ICC’s Code of Conduct, resulting in a financial penalty and an official reprimand. In the same IND vs PAK match, batter Sahibzada Farhan was also pulled up by officials for his controversial celebration after reaching his half-century. Farhan mimicked a ‘gun-fire’ gesture, which was considered inappropriate in the spirit of the game.
Asia Cup 2025: ICC takes a strict action against Haris Rauf & Sahibzada Farhan over the India vs Pakistan row
However, Farhan escaped with just a formal warning and did not incur any monetary fine. The disciplinary hearing took place at the Pakistan team hotel, with match referee Richie Richardson presiding over the proceedings. Both Rauf and Farhan were present in person but chose to submit their statements in writing. They were accompanied by team manager Naveed Akram Cheema during the session. The ICC reiterated its commitment to maintaining discipline and sportsmanship on the field, especially during emotionally charged encounters such as India vs Pakistan.
Tensions continue to escalate ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) formally lodged a complaint on Wednesday against Pakistan players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan. The complaint accuses the duo of making provocative gestures during their recent Super 4 clash against India. With the two arch-rivals set to meet once again in the high-stakes final on Sunday, emotions are running high on both sides.
The IND vs PAK rivalry has intensified throughout the tournament, particularly after India refused to shake hands with the Pakistan team following both the group stage and Super 4 matches. The gesture—or lack thereof—sparked controversy, with the atmosphere in the second game further deteriorating as tempers flared on the field. Heated exchanges between players were witnessed during India’s second innings, adding fuel to an already fiery contest.
According to tournament sources cited by news agency PTI, both Rauf and Farhan had earlier pleaded not guilty during their ICC disciplinary hearing regarding the incidents. Despite that, match referee Richie Richardson found Rauf guilty, handing him a 30% match fee fine, while Farhan received a formal warning for his gun-fire celebration. As the final looms, cricket fans and officials alike brace for another intense chapter in this iconic rivalry.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav has been fined 30 percent of his match fee for comments made after the Asia Cup 2025 group stage match against Pakistan on September 14, according to a PTI report. Following India's convincing seven-wicket win, Yadav had dedicated the victory to the Indian Armed Forces and expressed solidarity with the families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack. His remarks, referred to as the “Pahalgam tribute,” sparked controversy, leading Pakistan to file an official complaint with the ICC.
The matter was reviewed in a formal hearing overseen by ICC match referee Richie Richardson. After examining the statements, the ICC decided to impose a financial penalty on Yadav for breaching the governing body's code of conduct regarding political statements. However, the PTI report also stated that the Board of Control for Cricket in India has appealed the verdict, challenging the decision and defending Yadav’s right to express support for national causes.
"Match referee Richie Richardson had completed his hearing on Friday afternoon at the team hotel. Haris Rauf has been fined 30 percent of his match fees for aggressive behaviour and Farhan has been let off with a warning," a tournament source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
According to ICC sources, an official press release will soon be issued to confirm the final and accurate quantum of punishment for India captain Suryakumar Yadav. The statement is expected to be released only after the Asia Cup 2025 final, scheduled for Sunday. Yadav was earlier fined 30 percent of his match fee for his "Pahalgam tribute" comments following India’s group-stage win over Pakistan.
However, the final decision may differ. The ICC is reportedly reviewing the matter carefully. Sources also revealed that Suryakumar has pleaded not guilty to the charge and was advised by officials to refrain from making any statements that could be interpreted as political for the remainder of the tournament.
