(Image source from: sports.ndtv.com)
Indian cricket team captain Suryakumar Yadav was given a fine of 30 percent of his match earnings for his comments honoring Pahalgam during the Asia Cup 2025 group stage match against Pakistan on September 14, as reported. After India's victory over Pakistan by seven wickets, Yadav dedicated the win to the Indian Armed Forces and expressed support for the families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan filed an official complaint against Yadav, and a final decision was made after a hearing led by ICC match referee Richie Richardson. The PTI report mentioned that India has appealed the ICC's decision. However, ICC sources indicated that an official press statement would be released, detailing the 'correct' amount of the punishment. Suryakumar claimed he was not guilty of the allegations and was advised not to make any statements that might be seen as political for the rest of the tournament. Strains between the two nations have been escalating, beginning with India not participating in the usual handshake with Pakistani players during the toss and after matches as a sign of support for the Pahalgam victims.
In another development, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf was fined 30 percent of his match fee on Friday for his rude and aggressive actions during the Asia Cup Super 4s match against India last Sunday. In contrast, his teammate Sahibzada Farhan received only a warning and faced no financial penalty for his gunshot celebration after reaching his half-century in that same match. A tournament source, speaking anonymously, stated that match referee Richie Richardson held a hearing on Friday afternoon at the team hotel. Rauf was fined 30 percent of his earnings for his aggressive behavior, while Farhan was only given a warning. Earlier, both Rauf and Farhan denied the charges during their ICC hearing for allegedly provocative actions in the match against India, according to tournament sources. The hearing took place at the Pakistan team's hotel, where both players attended in person, though their statements were submitted in writing. They were supported by team manager Naveed Akram Cheema. The BCCI had formally complained on Wednesday about the two players making provocative gestures. These two rival teams are set to compete in the final of the regional tournament on Sunday.
