This follows a PCB complaint regarding Yadav's remarks after India's Asia Cup win against Pakistan, where he dedicated the victory to the Indian armed forces and victims of a terror attack
Dubai: Indian cricket team skipper Suryakumar Yadav was instructed by ICC match referee Richie Richardson during an official hearing to avoid making any comments that could be interpreted as political. This hearing followed a complaint lodged by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) related to Yadav’s remarks after India's victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup group stage match.
Background of the Issue
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The controversy arose after India’s win against Pakistan on September 14, 2025, during which Suryakumar refused to shake hands with Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha and dedicated the victory to the Indian armed forces involved in Operation Sindoor. He also expressed solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack that had caused significant casualties. These remarks provoked the PCB to file a formal complaint with the ICC, asserting that the comments were political and detrimental to the spirit of the game.
ICC Hearing Details
Yadav attended the hearing accompanied by the BCCI COO Hemang Amin and Cricket Operations Manager Summer Mallapurkar. During the hearing, referee Richie Richardson cautioned him against making statements that could be perceived as political. The matter, considered a Level 1 offence under ICC’s Code of Conduct, may result in a warning or a financial penalty amounting to a 15 per cent deduction from match fees. A decision on the sanction is expected to be announced following the hearing outcomes.
Parallel Hearing Against Pakistan Players
In a reciprocal move, the ICC is set to hold a separate hearing against Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan on a complaint filed by the BCCI concerning provocative gestures during the Asia Cup Super 4 match against India on September 21, 2025. Farhan displayed a ‘gun’ celebration after scoring a half-century, while Rauf’s controversial ‘6-0’ gesture drew particular ire.
With inputs from PTI
Published: 25 Sept 2025, 09:43 pm IST
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