Disciplinary outcomes announced following heated India–Pakistan matches
The ICC has confirmed several Code of Conduct sanctions arising from the India–Pakistan fixtures played during the Asia Cup 2025, in an official press release issued by the governing body. The decisions followed hearings overseen by members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, examining incidents from matches on 14, 21 and 28 September.
On 14 September, both teams were charged for conduct-related breaches. India’s Suryakumar Yadav was found guilty of a violation under Article 2.21, which concerns conduct that brings the game into disrepute. He was fined 30 percent of his match fee and handed two demerit points.
Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan received an official warning and one demerit point for the same offence.
Haris Rauf was also sanctioned for his involvement in the same incident, receiving a fine of 30 percent of his match fee along with two demerit points.
Arshdeep Singh cleared of alleged gesture offence
A separate proceeding took place regarding the 21 September fixture.
“Following a hearing conducted by ICC Match Referee Andy Pycroft: Arshdeep Singh (India) was found not guilty of an alleged breach of Article 2.6, which pertains to using a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting, and therefore no sanction was imposed,” the ICC said in a statement.
The decision meant the India fast bowler faced no penalty and his disciplinary record remained unaffected.
Bumrah accepts punishment during final
The final match on 28 September also led to disciplinary action. India pacer Jasprit Bumrah received a sanction after his send-off directed at Haris Rauf.
“Jasprit Bumrah (India) accepted a charge under Article 2.21 for conduct that brings the game into disrepute and the proposed sanction of an official warning, which resulted in one demerit point. As he accepted the sanction, no formal hearing was required,” the ICC statement reads.
Because the charge was accepted, the case did not proceed to a formal hearing.
Repeated breaches lead to suspension for Haris Rauf
Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf was sanctioned again in relation to his actions during the final.
“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 confirmed in a statement.
“This takes Rauf’s total to four demerit points within a 24-month period, resulting in two suspension points. In line with the Code, Rauf is therefore suspended for Pakistan’s ODIs against South Africa on November 4 and 6,” the ICC statement added.
Under ICC regulations, accumulating four demerit points in two years results in suspension points, which convert into match bans.
Additional dispute raised over communication in Rauf’s case
There was further debate regarding how the proceedings were communicated. According to a report from GeoSuper, Rauf was not informed during his hearing that accepting the offence could have resulted in a reduced penalty. The report suggested that discussions regarding demerit point implications were not clearly conveyed during the process.
A tournament marked by intensity both on and off the field
The ICC clarified that Level 1 offences can result in fines of up to 50 percent of a player’s match fee and up to two demerit points. Demerit points remain on a player’s record for 24 months and can lead to suspensions when accumulated.
As India and Pakistan matches continued to attract global attention and heightened emotions, the Asia Cup 2025 also reinforced the ICC’s emphasis on maintaining standards of on-field conduct.
