Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has been formally reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following his political remarks after India’s Asia Cup victory over Pakistan on September 14, sources confirmed on Thursday.
The reprimand followed a hearing regarding a formal complaint filed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which accused Yadav of politicizing cricket and breaching the ICC’s code of conduct, which upholds the sport’s neutrality. The PCB’s complaint demanded stringent action, claiming his comments damaged cricket’s image and violated the spirit of the game.
The controversy stemmed from Yadav’s post-match comments after India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the group stage. Sources revealed that during the hearing, the ICC advised Yadav to refrain from making political statements in the future.
Tensions had already been high during the match, with both teams reportedly skipping the traditional handshake at the toss, following the match referee’s suggestion. Yadav’s remarks have continued to attract widespread criticism, with several pundits labeling them as “unprecedented” and “harmful to the game’s spirit.”
In a separate incident, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also filed a formal complaint with the ICC regarding Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan. The complaint, sent by email on Wednesday, highlighted Farhan’s animated celebration after reaching his half-century and Rauf’s provocative gestures toward fans while fielding. These actions, which went viral on social media, sparked considerable debate.
Should the players contest the allegations, a hearing will be held where they could appear before match referee Richie Richardson and Andy Pycroft, another referee for the tournament. Both Pakistan players are expected to attend the ICC hearing on Friday.
😬🏏 Politics out of cricket! ICC ka warning Suryakumar Yadav ko, hope sab focus kare game pe! 🇮🇳🔥