Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav faced an ICC hearing on Thursday, September 25, over the ongoing tensions in the India-Pakistan rivalry at the Asia Cup 2025. The session followed a complaint from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding his remarks after India’s win on September 14.
The controversy started when Suryakumar gave the dedication of India victory to the Indian Armed Forces and the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The PCB maintained that what he said had political overtones and that he violated the ICC code of conduct.
To enhance the drama, Suryakumar Yadav refused to even shake hands with the Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha explaining later that there are other things that are bigger than sportsmanship. The hearing was conducted by match referee Richie Richardson and it was expected to decide before the India-Sri Lanka final game of the Super Four.
ICC Receives Official Complaint from BCCI
The BCCI lodged a complaint with the ICC after Pakistan players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan made controversial gestures during the September 21 Super Four game. Rauf mimicked a fighter jet crashing, while Farhan marked his half-century with a gesture resembling firing a gun, both of which were seen as provocative.
The PCB’s complaint against Suryakumar Yadav was heard first, with the Indian skipper accompanied by BCCI officials. He was accused of making political remarks after India’s win against Pakistan, which the PCB argued violated ICC rules. Reports suggest he is unlikely to face suspension but could be fined a portion of his match fee or given a formal warning.
The ICC will now also review the BCCI’s case against Rauf and Farhan. The Indian board stated that their actions went beyond normal celebrations and were intended to provoke. Earlier, Pakistan even accused match referee Andy Pycroft of encouraging the handshake snub between Suryakumar and Salman Ali Agha, but the ICC dismissed the claim.
