Imagine a cricket match so intense, it leaves a trail of suspensions, fines, and heated debates in its wake. That’s exactly what happened during the Asia Cup 2025 final between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. But here’s where it gets controversial: Pakistan’s Haris Rauf, once famously dominated by Virat Kohli on the field, has now been banned by the ICC for two matches following a Code of Conduct breach. And this is the part most people miss—this isn’t his first offense. Let’s dive into the details.
In a decision that has sparked widespread discussion, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Tuesday that Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf will miss the upcoming ODIs against South Africa on November 4 and 6. This comes after Rauf was found guilty of violating Article 2.21 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the Asia Cup final against India on September 28. The ICC’s Emirates Elite Panel of Match Referees conducted hearings and imposed sanctions, leaving no room for leniency. Boldly put, this suspension raises questions about player conduct under pressure—is the heat of the moment an excuse, or a red flag?
Rauf’s latest offense earned him a 30% fine on his match fee and two additional demerit points, bringing his total to four demerit points within 24 months. According to ICC rules, this triggered two suspension points, leading to his ban. Interestingly, this wasn’t Rauf’s first brush with controversy during the tournament. He committed the same offense during the group-stage clash on September 14, earning him a similar fine and demerit points. Is this a pattern of misconduct, or simply a player struggling to keep his cool in high-stakes matches? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
But Rauf wasn’t the only one in the spotlight. Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan received an official warning and one demerit point for his ‘gun celebration’ after scoring a fifty against India in the Super 4 clash in Dubai. While some fans found it entertaining, the ICC deemed it inappropriate. Is celebrating a milestone too aggressively crossing the line, or just part of the game’s evolving culture?
On the Indian side, captain Suryakumar Yadav was also penalized for breaching Article 2.21 during the September 14 match, receiving a 30% fine and two demerit points. However, Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh was cleared of charges related to obscene gestures under Article 2.6 in the September 21 encounter. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah accepted a Level 1 offense under Article 2.21 during the final, receiving a warning and one demerit point, thus avoiding a formal hearing.
This series of disciplinary actions highlights the ICC’s commitment to maintaining sportsmanship, even in the most heated rivalries. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Are these penalties fair, or do they stifle the raw emotion that makes cricket so captivating? Share your opinions below—we’re eager to hear your take on where the line should be drawn between passion and professionalism in cricket.
