Asia Cup 2025: Players Face Sanctions for Code of Conduct Violations

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the results of disciplinary proceedings concerning several players who violated the ICC Code of Conduct during the Asia Cup 2025. These incidents occurred during matches between India and Pakistan, held on 14, 21, and 28 September 2025.

Sanction Outcomes from 14 September

In a hearing overseen by ICC Match Referee Richie Richardson, Suryakumar Yadav of India was found guilty of breaching Article 2.21, which addresses conduct that brings the game into disrepute. As a penalty, he was fined 30 per cent of his match fee and received two demerit points.

S. Farhan from Pakistan was also adjudged guilty of the same offence, receiving an official warning and one demerit point. Haris Rauf, another Pakistani player, faced similar consequences, being fined 30 per cent of his match fee and accruing two demerit points.

21 September Match Review

During the match on 21 September, a hearing conducted by ICC Match Referee Andy Pycroft concluded that Arshdeep Singh of India was not guilty of an alleged breach of Article 2.6, which concerns the use of obscene, offensive, or insulting gestures. Consequently, no sanctions were imposed on Singh.

Final Match Proceedings on 28 September

In the final match on 28 September, Jasprit Bumrah of India accepted a charge under Article 2.21 for conduct that brought the game into disrepute. He accepted an official warning and received one demerit point without the need for a formal hearing.

Haris Rauf was again found guilty of breaching Article 2.21 following a hearing led by Richie Richardson. He was fined 30 per cent of his match fee and received two additional demerit points, bringing his total to four demerit points within a 24-month period. This accumulation resulted in two suspension points as per the ICC's disciplinary framework. Consequently, Rauf is barred from participating in Pakistan's One Day International matches against South Africa scheduled for 4 and 6 November 2025.

Understanding Demerit Points and Suspensions

The ICC has outlined the framework for penalties associated with Code of Conduct breaches. Level 1 breaches can lead to an official reprimand, a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points. When a player accumulates four or more demerit points in a 24-month period, these points convert into suspension points.

At present, two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test match or two One Day Internationals or two Twenty20 Internationals, depending on which comes first. It is also noted that demerit points remain on a player's record for a period of 24 months before being expunged.

The ICC remains committed to upholding the integrity of the sport and ensuring that players adhere to the established Code of Conduct, as stated in their official communications.