Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav has landed in hot water with the International Cricket Council (ICC) after his post-match comments during the Asia Cup 2025 group stage clash against Pakistan. According to a PTI report, the star batter has been fined 30% of his match fee for dedicating the win to the Indian Armed Forces and the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
The incident has quickly turned into a flashpoint between India and Pakistan, with tensions already running high in the tournament.
Why Was Suryakumar Fined?
After India’s seven-wicket win against Pakistan on September 14, Yadav publicly dedicated the victory to the soldiers and victims of the Pahalgam attack. While his comments struck an emotional chord back home, Pakistan lodged an official complaint, arguing that the statement was political in nature.
An official hearing was conducted by ICC match referee Richie Richardson, where Suryakumar pleaded not guilty. However, he was reportedly advised not to make any political statements for the rest of the tournament.
Sources told NDTV that the ICC will release an official statement soon, clarifying the “correct quantum” of punishment. In the meantime, India have appealed the verdict.
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Pakistan Players Also Penalized
Interestingly, Suryakumar isn’t the only one to face disciplinary action this week. Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf was fined 30% of his match fees for what officials called “rude and aggressive behavior” during the Super 4s match against India.
His teammate Sahibzada Farhan, who pulled off an open-air gunshot celebration after reaching his fifty, managed to escape with just a warning. Both players appeared in front of the match referee in person, along with team manager Naveed Akram Cheema.
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India vs Pakistan Rivalry Heats Up
This isn’t the first controversy of the tournament. Earlier, India refused the traditional handshake with Pakistan players before and after games, a move they said was in solidarity with Pahalgam victims.
With both sides now exchanging complaints and counter-complaints, the stakes are sky-high ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 Final in Dubai on Sunday. Fans can expect not just cricketing fireworks, but also plenty of off-field drama as the two rivals clash once again.
