Asia Cup row: Suryakumar Yadav, Haris Rauf Fined as India-Pakistan rivalry hits boiling point

Tensions reached a boiling point in the ongoing Asia Cup as India and Pakistan prepare to face each other for the third time in just weeks, culminating in a historic final on September 28 — the first India-Pakistan summit in the tournament’s 41-year history.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf have been found guilty of breaching the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) code of conduct, with match referee Richie Richardson imposing fines of 30 percent of their match fees. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan received a formal warning for his celebratory “gun” gesture after scoring a fifty.

The controversy erupted after Suryakumar dedicated India’s victory over Pakistan to the Indian armed forces and made remarks referencing the Pahalgam terror attack. The Pakistan Cricket Board lodged a complaint with the ICC, claiming the comments were political. Suryakumar pleaded not guilty at a hearing on Thursday, and while the ICC is expected to issue an official confirmation only after the Asia Cup concludes, India has reportedly filed an appeal.

The friction between the two sides has been building since the tournament began. Suryakumar refused to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha at the toss and again post-match, while the Super 4s clash last week saw heated verbal exchanges. India filed complaints against Rauf and Farhan for their conduct during that match. Rauf, in particular, was involved in a confrontation with Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill and made gestures at Indian fans that went viral. Abhishek later accused the Pakistani players of “coming at us for no reason.”

With the final looming, the Asia Cup promises more than just cricket — it has become a high-stakes drama charged with nationalism, controversy, and the fierce rivalry that defines India-Pakistan cricket.