Haris Rauf suspended for two matches after Asia Cup breach
What's the story
Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has been suspended for two matches after breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the 2025 Men's T20 Asia Cup. According to the ICC, Rauf was found guilty of "conduct that brings the game into disrepute" in two separate incidents during India-Pakistan clashes on September 14 and 28. Rauf has extended his demerit point tally to four, incurring two suspension points.
Incident details
Rauf's provocative gestures during India-Pakistan clashes
Rauf was embroiled in controversy during the Asia Cup with his provocative gestures in matches involving India. He was found guilty of violating Article 2.21 of the ICC Code of Conduct, relating to conduct that brings the game into disrepute. Rauf, who missed Pakistan's 1st ODI against South Africa on November 6, will also sit out of the 2nd ODI (November 6).
Additional sanctions
Other players sanctioned
Along with Rauf, India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav was fined 30% of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct in the same Asia Cup. The latter has been fined for showing solidarity with Pahalgam terror attack victims and the Indian Army after India beat Pakistan on September 14. Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan was also issued an official warning and a demerit point for his gun celebration in the Super 4 clash.
Acquittal
Arshdeep Singh cleared of alleged breach; Jasprit Bumrah sanctioned
Meanwhile, India's Arshdeep Singh was cleared of an alleged breach of Article 2.6 about using a gesture that is obscene, offensive, or insulting. Match Referee Andy Pycroft found the left-arm seamer not guilty. In the final on September 28, India's Jasprit Bumrah accepted a charge under Article 2.21 and received an official warning along with one demerit point for his actions during the match against Pakistan.
Tensions
India beat Pakistan thrice amid political tensions
India and Pakistan clashed thrice in the 2025 T20 Asia Cup, with the former sealing all three encounters, including the final. The iconic cricketing rivalry endured the heat, ranging from boycott calls to on-field verbal volleys and the subsequent complaints lodged by the two boards. The two countries have been at loggerheads since the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack in April this year. While India responded by launching Operation Sindoor, Pakistan retaliated with drone attacks.