Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been handed a two-match ban, while India’s Suryakumar Yadav was fined 30% of his match fees and Jasprit Bumrah received an official warning and one demerit point after incidents during the Asia Cup 2025, held in Sri Lanka.
The ICC announced the decisions on November 5, 2025, following disciplinary hearings related to breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct during the heated India-Pakistan encounters.
What Happened
According to the ICC, the sanctions come from incidents in the India-Pakistan Asia Cup encounters on September 14, 21, and 28, 2025. The players breached Article 2.21, which concerns “conduct that brings the game into disrepute.”
- Suryakumar Yadav was charged for an incident on September 14, fined 30% of his match fee, and received two demerit points.
- Haris Rauf was also found guilty during the same match, receiving the same penalty, 30% fine and two demerit points.
- During the Asia Cup final on September 28, Jasprit Bumrah was officially reprimanded under the same article, receiving a warning and one demerit point.
- In another incident during the final, Haris Rauf was once again charged under Article 2.21 and given two additional demerit points.
These offenses were reviewed and accepted by the players, meaning no formal hearings were required.
Why Haris Rauf Was Banned
In total Rauf’s reached four demerit points in 24 months, which automatically turned into two suspension points under ICC rules. As a result, he will miss Pakistan’s next two ODIs against South Africa on November 4 and 6, 2025.
The ICC confirmed that Rauf’s aggressive behavior and repeated breaches during the Asia Cup contributed to the suspension. The board emphasized that while competitiveness is natural in India-Pakistan clashes, maintaining discipline and respect remains a key responsibility for all players.
Impact on Teams
Pakistan: Rauf’s absence is a big blow to Pakistan’s bowling unit. As he is known for his pace and ability to handle pressure, his suspension will force the team management to rely on backup bowlers for the South Africa series.
India: For India, the fines on Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah serve as official warnings. None of them will miss games, but both must maintain their discipline to avoid further penalties in future tournaments.
Cricket’s Image: The ICC’s action encourages that no player, nevertheless of reputation, is above the Code of Conduct. This move aims to set an example for younger cricketers about the importance of sportsmanship.
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What does the ICC Disciplinary Code Means
Article 2.21 of the ICC Code of Conduct addresses any on-field or off-field behavior that could harm the spirit or reputation of the game. Penalties can range from warnings and fines to demerit points and match suspensions. If a player accumulates four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, those points are converted into suspension points, leading to a ban from one or more matches.
The Road Ahead
Haris Rauf will be now serving his two-match suspension and will be returning for the third ODI against South Africa as he will be eligible then. In the meantime Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah will continue to feature in India’s upcoming fixtures but will be under watch.
Both the cricket boards are expected to remind their players about maintaining self-control during high-pressure matches particularly in high-profile rivalries like India versus Pakistan.
Conclusion
The ICC’s decision following the Asia Cup 2025 highlights the need for professionalism and respect on the cricket field. Haris Rauf’s two-match suspension, along with the fines imposed on Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, underline that discipline remains just as important as performance. Even in the most intense rivalries, the spirit of cricket must come first.
Written by Kinjal Walantra