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 game against India in the Asia Cup on September 21, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Tuesday.
The ICC confirmed the disciplinary outcomes of the 2025 Asia Cup matches between India and Pakistan, with sanctions issued following hearings conducted by members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
According to the press release issued by cricket’s governing body, Rauf received two demerit points and a 30% fine for conduct that “brought the game into disrepute” during the final between India and Pakistan on September 28.
He had previously been fined and received two demerit points for the same infraction in the group stage match on September 14. The latest ruling raised his total to four demerit points, triggering two suspension points under the ICC Code of Conduct and resulting in a two-match suspension, according to the press release.
Rauf will now miss Pakistan’s ODI matches against South Africa scheduled for November 4 and 6.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan received an official warning and a demerit point for the same offence.
The controversy arose from an official BCCI complaint regarding the players’ actions during the Asia Cup Super Fours match in Dubai in September.
The incidents that caught attention on social media involved Farhan’s celebration after his half-century and Rauf’s gesture towards some fans while playing, sparking discussion among cricket followers.
In the match on 14 September, India’s Suryakumar Yadav was similarly found guilty of conduct bringing the game into disrepute and fined 30% of his match fee, along with two demerit points.
For the September 21 match, Indian bowler Arshdeep Singh was acquitted of an alleged charge under Article 2.6 relating to obscene or insulting gestures, and no penalty was imposed.
During the final on 28 September, India’s Jasprit Bumrah accepted a charge under Article 2.21 and received an official warning along with a demerit point, thus avoiding a formal hearing.
The ICC reiterated that all violations and sanctions were determined in accordance with the disciplinary framework established by the governing body.
