Suryakumar Yadav penalised over ‘Pahalgam Attack’ remark, India appeals ICC verdict

ICC fines India captain Suryakumar Yadav for comments alluding to the Pahalgam attack, while Pakistan players Farhan and Rauf await sanctions for provocative gestures.

The Asia Cup has taken an explosive turn off the pitch, with India captain Suryakumar Yadav penalised by the ICC for remarks that alluded to the Pahalgam attack following India’s group-stage clash against Pakistan on September 14.

Also Read:India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Final: When and where; Complete details inside

ICC match referee Richie Richardson ruled against Yadav’s not-guilty plea, imposing a fine of 30% of his match fee for breaching the governing body’s code of conduct. India has lodged an appeal, but if the verdict stands, the punishment could escalate further.

The controversy was sparked after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a formal complaint, arguing that Yadav’s comments crossed into political messaging, an area strictly off-limits under ICC regulations. The PCB even pushed for a Level 4 sanction, the highest tier of punishment reserved for severe breaches.

The storm doesn’t end there. Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan is under scrutiny for a gun-firing celebration after his fifty, while fiery pacer Haris Rauf faces disciplinary heat for repeated gestures mimicking aircraft being shot down, an apparent nod to recent military tensions.

Also Read:BCCI files complaint against Haris Rauf & Farhan over on-field provocation during India-Pak clash

With all these controversies, after 41 years of high-voltage encounters, India and Pakistan will finally clash in the Asia Cup final, set for September 28 at Dubai International Stadium.

India, boasting eight Asia Cup titles, enter the summit clash under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, while Pakistan, two-time winners, will be led by Salman Ali Agha.