Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been suspended for the next two ODIs against South Africa for breaching the ICC code of conduct during the Super Four match against India in the Asia Cup on September 21, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Tuesday.
The ICC has upheld the disciplinary outcomes of the 2025 Asia Cup matches between India and Pakistan, with sanctions handed down following hearings conducted by members of the Emirates ICC’s elite refereeing panel.
According to the press release issued by cricket’s governing body, Rauf received two demerit points and a 30 per cent fine for conduct that “brought the game into disrepute” during the India-Pakistan final on September 28.
He was previously fined and given two demerit points for the same offense during the group match on September 14. The latest decision brought his total to four demerit points, triggering two suspension points under the ICC Code of Conduct and resulting in a two-match suspension, the press release said.
Rauf will now miss Pakistan’s ODI matches against South Africa scheduled for November 4 and 6.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan received an official warning and a demerit point for the same offence.
The controversy arose from an official complaint by the BCCI regarding players’ actions during the Asia Cup Super Fours match in Dubai in September.
The incidents that attracted attention on social media were Farhan’s celebration after his half-century and Rauf’s gesture towards some fans while he was playing, sparking discussions among cricket followers.
During the September 14 match, India’s Suryakumar Yadav was also found guilty of conduct bringing the game into disrepute and fined 30% of his match fee, as well as two demerit points.
For the September 21 match, Indian bowler Arshdeep Singh was cleared of an alleged charge under Article 2.6 relating to lewd or insulting gestures, and no sanctions were imposed.
In the September 28 final, India’s Jasprit Bumrah accepted a charge under Article 2.21 and received a formal warning as well as a demerit point, avoiding a formal hearing.
The ICC reiterated that all offenses and sanctions were determined in accordance with the disciplinary framework established by the governing body.
