The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday confirmed that Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been suspended for the next two ODIs against South Africa for violating the ICC Code of Conduct during the Super Four match against India in the Asia Cup on September 21.
The ICC has confirmed the disciplinary findings for the 2025 AFC Asian Cup matches between India and Pakistan, with sanctions handed down following hearings conducted by members of the UAE’s ICC Elite Match Referees Committee.
According to the press release issued by cricket’s governing body, Rauf received two demerit points and a fine of 30% of the match fee for conduct that “brought the game into disrepute” during the final between India and Pakistan on 28 September.
He had previously been fined and given two demerit points for the same violation in the group match on September 14. The latest referee raised his total to four points, resulting in two suspension points under the ICC Code of Conduct and resulting in a two-match ban, the press release said.
Rauf will now miss Pakistan’s ODI matches against South Africa scheduled for November 4 and 6.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Sahibzada Farhan received an official warning and one demerit point for the same violation.
The controversy arose due to an official complaint from the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry regarding the players’ actions during the AFC Super Four match in Dubai in September.
Incidents that caught attention on social media included Farhan’s celebration after his half-century and Rauf’s gesture towards some fans during the game, which sparked a debate among cricket followers.
In the 14 September match, Indian player Suryakumar Yadav was similarly found guilty of conduct bringing the game into disrepute and was fined 30% of the match fee, plus two demerit points.
In the September 21 encounter, Indian bowler Arshdeep Singh was acquitted of the alleged charge under Section 2.6 in relation to obscene or offensive gestures, and no penalty was imposed.
During the final on 28 September, Indian player Jasprit Bumrah accepted the charge under Article 2.21 and received a formal warning plus one demerit point, avoiding a formal hearing.
The ICC reaffirmed that all crimes and penalties were determined in accordance with the disciplinary framework in force at the administrative body.
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