Udaipur, Nov 04, 2025: The ICC has banned veteran Pakistan cricketer Haris Rauf for two matches. Haris made obscene gestures on the field during the Asia Cup 2025 match against India. After reviewing the incident, the ICC announced a two-match suspension.

Why was Haris Rauf banned?

India and Pakistan faced each other three times in the Asia Cup 2025. The ICC gave Haris Rauf two demerit points for his actions in the September 14 match and two more for his misconduct in the final. According to ICC rules, if a player receives four demerit points within 24 months, he is banned for two matches. That’s why Haris Rauf has been suspended. During the match against India, Rauf made flying and crashing gestures with his hands. He also made a 6-0, 6-0 gesture with his fingers, which was considered unsporting behaviour.

Suryakumar Yadav Also Punished by ICC

The ICC has also taken action against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav. Surya was found guilty of violating Article 2.21 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with behaviour that brings the game into disrepute. He has been fined 30 percent of his match fee and given two demerit points.

Other Players Also Penalised

Arshdeep Singh was found not guilty by the ICC, while Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan received one demerit point. Jasprit Bumrah was given a warning and one demerit point.

It is worth noting that India and Pakistan played three matches against each other in the Asia Cup 2025. In all three games, there were allegations of controversial behaviour from players of both teams.

During one match, Haris Rauf made gestures suggesting that a plane was shot down mid-flight. He also showed six fingers, referring to Pakistan’s claim of destroying six Indian fighter jets during Operation Sindoor — a claim denied by the Indian Army.

India filed a complaint with the ICC regarding Rauf’s actions. As a result, 30 percent of his match fee was deducted in both matches, and he received two demerit points in each game. Since Rauf collected four demerit points within 24 months, he has been banned for two matches, as per ICC rules.