Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian cricket team's captain, appeared before an International Cricket Council (ICC) hearing over statements he had made following the Asia Cup 2025 group stage match against Pakistan. Suryakumar had dedicated the victory on September 14 to the Indian military forces and even expressed solidarity with the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror incident.
India-Pakistan ties reached a new low after the terror assault in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people. Salman Ali Agha, the captain of Pakistan, and Suryakumar did not shake hands during the two meetings between the two teams in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
“Perfect occasion, taking the time out—we stand by the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile," the India skipper said at the post-match presentation.
Suryakumar reportedly accompanied Cricket Operations Manager Summer Mallapurkar and BCCI COO Hemang Amin to the ICC hearing on the incident.
Richie Richardson presided over the hearing, which was held in response to an official ICC complaint against Suryakumar Yadav, lodged by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He faces a warning or a fine equal to 15% of his match fees.
"Surya attended the ICC hearing today. He was accompanied by BCCI's COO and Cricket Operations Manager. Richardson explained to him that he shouldn't be making any comments that could be seen as political in nature. The sanction can't be ascertained. Since it falls under Level 1, it could either be a warning or a financial penalty of 15 percent deductions in match fees," a tournament source told PTI.
The BCCI's case against Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for their offensive gestures will also be heard separately by the ICC. Rauf made the contentious "6-0" and jets crashing motions, while Farhan celebrated with a "gun" after reaching a half-century in the Super 4 match against India.
(PTI inputs)
