Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been handed a two-match suspension for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match against India on September 21, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Tuesday.
Rauf, who made headlines after flashing a provocative “0-6” gesture at Indian fans during the match, was found guilty of conduct that “brought the game into disrepute.”
According to the ICC statement, Rauf has received two demerit points and a 30% match fee fine for his latest offence — following a previous fine and two demerit points from an earlier incident during the September 14 group-stage clash against India.
With the new penalties added, Rauf’s total reached four demerit points, automatically triggering two suspension points under ICC rules. As a result, he will miss Pakistan’s upcoming ODIs against South Africa, scheduled for November 4 and 6.
Other Players Sanctioned
Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan was also found guilty of breaching the same code, receiving an official warning and one demerit point for his celebratory actions during the same match.
The controversy stemmed from a complaint filed by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) regarding the players’ on-field behaviour. Clips of Rauf’s gesture and Farhan’s animated celebration circulated widely on social media, sparking heated debates among fans and pundits.
India Players Also Penalized
The ICC also confirmed sanctions against several Indian players during the Asia Cup:
- Suryakumar Yadav was fined 30% of his match fee and given two demerit points for a similar offence on September 14.
- Jasprit Bumrah accepted a warning and one demerit point under Article 2.21 after the final on September 28.
- Arshdeep Singh was cleared of alleged misconduct under Article 2.6, which pertains to obscene or insulting gestures.
ICC’s Statement
The ICC clarified that all rulings were made by members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees in accordance with the ICC Code of Conduct and that “all offences and sanctions were determined following due process.”
Rauf’s suspension is a major setback for Pakistan’s ODI lineup, with selectors now needing to adjust their bowling attack ahead of their key fixtures against South Africa.