The Asia Cup 2025 has consisted of not just great cricket but also fiery tempers and off-field incidents. India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf have been sanctioned by ICC match referee Richie Richardson and fined 30% of their match fees for a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.

The events occurred during two matches between the old rivals.  After India’s group-stage victory over Pakistan on September 14, Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the victims of the Pahalgam terror incident and the Indian armed forces.’ While Suryakumar Yadav's message was received positively by many, Pakistan filed a complaint with the ICC because it was reported that Suryakumar made political comments.  After a hearing, Suryakumar Yadav was fined and directed not to make any political comments for the remainder of the tournament while still maintaining his innocence.  

Asia Cup tensions rise as Rauf and Suryakumar face fines

Haris Rauf found himself in trouble during the Super Four match on September 21 in Dubai.  The fast bowler responded to heckling from Indian fans and made gestures, including a signature that seemed to refer to war. The gesture was deemed inappropriate and against the spirit of the game. Alongside Haris Rauf, Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan was also investigated for mimicking a gunshot celebration after reaching his fifty, though he escaped with just a warning.

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Both incidents drew attention to the increasing friction between India and Pakistan during the tournament. From India’s spirited refusal to engage in the customary handshake at the toss to dramatic exchanges between the teams on the field, the Asia Cup felt like it was packed with emotional content well beyond cricket. The BCCI and PCB lodged complaints against players on the opposing team, though only Rauf and Suryakumar faced monetary sanctions. 

Despite the drama, the two cricketing rivals are gearing up to play each other once again, in the tournament final in Dubai on Sunday. The ICC will be hoping that the much-awaited showpiece will be about cricket, with no political subtext or disciplinary issues hanging over it. 

The twin penalties were also a timely reminder of the magnitude of the occasion and that while there is enormous passion in the contest between India and Pakistan on the international stage, players need to remember the spirit of the game.