The International Cricket Council (ICC) has handed a two-match suspension to Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf for breaching its code of conduct during the Asia Cup Twenty20 matches against India. The ban, effective immediately, renders Rauf ineligible for the first two One Day International (ODI) games against South Africa, with his return slated for the third match in Faisalabad on Saturday. Rauf accumulated four demerit points from two separate incidents during Pakistan’s clashes with India on September 14 and 28. The ICC stated that Rauf violated the article pertaining to bringing the game into disrepute. Despite Rauf contesting the charges, formal hearings upheld the sanctions. Under ICC regulations, accumulating four demerit points within 24 months triggers an automatic two-match suspension. Consequently, Rauf missed Pakistan’s narrow two-wicket victory in the ODI series opener against South Africa on Tuesday. The strained political relations between India and Pakistan were further highlighted during the Asia Cup, with Indian players refusing to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, a gesture criticized by Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha as contrary to the spirit of the game. Meanwhile, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav defended the decision, stating that some matters transcend sportsmanship. In related sanctions, Pakistan’s opening batter Sahibzada Farhan received an official warning and a demerit point for an offense during the Asia Cup, while Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah faced similar penalties for breaching the ICC code of conduct.
Pakistan fast bowler Rauf banned for 2 matches for violating ICC code of conduct in Asia Cup
