New Delhi: Indian cricket team skipper Suryakumar Yadav has been fined 30 percent of his match fee for comments he made during the Asia Cup 2025 group stage match against Pakistan on September 14, according to reports. Following India’s seven-wicket win, Yadav dedicated the victory to the Indian Armed Forces and expressed solidarity with the families of the Pahalgam terror attack victims.
The comments drew an official complaint from Pakistan, leading to a hearing presided over by ICC match referee Richie Richardson, after which the fine was imposed. Yadav pleaded not guilty to the charge and was reportedly advised not to make statements that could be interpreted as political for the remainder of the tournament. India has appealed the verdict, seeking a review of the decision. ICC sources confirmed that an official statement clarifying the final quantum of the punishment is expected, possibly after the Asia Cup 2025 final scheduled for Sunday.
Tensions between the two sides have been high throughout the tournament. The controversy began with India refusing the customary handshake with Pakistani players at the toss and after matches, as a mark of respect for the Pahalgam victims.
Meanwhile, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf was also fined 30 percent of his match fee for rude and aggressive behaviour during the Asia Cup Super 4s match against India last Sunday. His teammate Sahibzada Farhan, however, received only a warning for his open-air gunshot celebration after scoring a half-century. Both players had appeared before match referee Richie Richardson at the Pakistan team hotel, accompanied by team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, and had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The fines come ahead of a highly anticipated rematch between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday, with both teams looking to settle scores on the field.
