Dubai, September 26: The ongoing Asia Cup 2025 has seen fresh controversy with players from both India and Pakistan facing disciplinary action ahead of the tournament final.
Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has been fined 30% of his match fee for using abusive language and making aggressive gestures during the Super 4 clash against India. Meanwhile, Rauf’s teammate Sahibzada Farhan, who celebrated his half-century with a “gun-fire” gesture, escaped a fine but received an official warning.
Both players appeared before match referee Richie Richardson at a hearing held at Pakistan’s team hotel. Earlier, the BCCI had lodged a complaint, accusing the duo of provocative gestures.
On the other hand, India captain Suryakumar Yadav has also been fined 30% of his match fee for dedicating India’s group-stage win over Pakistan to the Indian Armed Forces in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Pakistan had lodged an official protest, and the ICC verdict came after a separate hearing led by Richardson.
The Indian team has since appealed against the decision.
The disciplinary actions add fuel to an already intense rivalry. The two sides had earlier skipped handshakes after both their matches, and tempers flared during on-field exchanges in the Super 4 game.
India and Pakistan are now set to meet once again in the Asia Cup final on Sunday, with the off-field disputes further heightening the stakes of the contest.
