Shock twist in Haris Rauf controversy as ICC accused of adding demerit points without notice
Published - 05 Nov 2025, 06:30 PM | Updated - 05 Nov 2025, 06:36 PM
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The Haris Rauf controversy has taken a new turn, with reports from Pakistan claiming the fast bowler was punished with demerit points by the ICC without being officially informed.
According to Geo Super, Haris Rauf was initially told that his penalty could be reduced if he admitted to the offense during the hearing, but when he refused, he was fined 30 percent of his match fee.
ICC added demerit points to Haris Rauf's account without notice
But the shocking thing is that the demerit points were reportedly added without any prior notice to either Rauf or the Pakistan cricket team management. The controversy unfolded during the heated India–Pakistan clashes during the Asia Cup 2025 on September 14, 21, and 28 in Dubai.
Those matches were already charged with emotion, being the first meetings between the two sides since the Pahalgam terror attack, leading to the political tensions. From no handshakes to provocative celebrations, the rivalry crossed beyond the cricketing boundaries.
Rauf’s “6-0” and plane crash gestures during the first match on September 14 led him to face 30 percent fine of his match fee, and he was also handed two demerit points for provocative behavior towards Indian players and fans.
Haris Rauf’s ‘Plane Crash’ gesture leads to ICC action
The situation escalated further during the Asia Cup 2025 final on September 28. Following a hearing led by ICC Match Referee Richie Richardson, Rauf was again fined 30 percent and handed two more demerit points, taking his tally to four, which automatically led him to a two-match suspension.
The Pakistani fast bowler’s actions were reviewed under Article 2.21 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with conduct that could bring the game into disrepute. In one viral moment, Rauf was seen imitating a plane crash with his hands, which was a controversial political reference to past cross-border incidents between India and Pakistan.
Apart from Rauf, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was also fined 30 percent of his match fee and given two demerit points under the same article for making remarks that were deemed politically sensitive. Additionally, Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan received an official warning and one demerit point for celebrating his half-century with a gesture like the firing of a gun.
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Haris Rauf suspended for two matches over Asia Cup 2025 misconduct
Earlier, Haris Rauf was suspended for two matches after breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the Asia Cup 2025 final against India on September 28. The ICC confirmed that the decision came after a hearing by the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
As a result, Rauf will miss the upcoming ODI series against South Africa. The Pakistan pacer was found guilty of misconduct during the tense final. He will be available to play again after completing the two-match ban.
The ICC said in a statement, “Following a hearing conducted by ICC Match Referee Richie Richardson, Haris Rauf was again found guilty of a breach of Article 2.21. He was fined 30 percent of his match fee and received two additional demerit points.”
The statement further reads, “This takes Rauf’s total to four demerit points within a 24-month period, resulting in two suspension points. In line with the Code, Rauf is therefore suspended for Pakistan’s ODIs against South Africa on November 4 and 6.”
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