Haris Rauf's Cricket Career Takes a Hit: Suspended for Two ODIs Against South Africa
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has dealt a significant blow to Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf's career, suspending him for two One-Day International (ODI) matches against South Africa on November 4 and 6. This suspension comes as a result of Rauf's involvement in a heated exchange with Indian fans during the Asia Cup Super Four match against arch-rivals India.
In September, the ICC reprimanded Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for their gestures during the match. Rauf was seen responding to heckling by Indian fans with a 6-0 hand signal and aircraft-downing gestures, possibly referencing the military conflict between India and Pakistan in May. Farhan celebrated his fifty by mimicking a gunshot.
The ICC's press release confirmed the outcomes of several Code of Conduct proceedings arising from the Asia Cup. The hearings were conducted by members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees following incidents in the matches between India and Pakistan on September 14, 21, and 28.
During the September 14 match, India's Suryakumar Yadav was found guilty of a breach of Article 2.21 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to conduct that brings the game into disrepute. He was fined 30% of his match fee and received two demerit points. This followed a complaint by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) against Yadav for dedicating his team's win to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Sahibzada Farhan was also found guilty of the same offense and issued an official warning, receiving one demerit point. Haris Rauf faced similar consequences, fined 30% of his match fee and accumulating two demerit points for the same breach of conduct.
The hearing was conducted by ICC Match Referee Richie Richardson. During the September 21 match, India's Arshdeep Singh was found not guilty of an alleged breach of Article 2.6, which pertains to using obscene or insulting gestures, and no sanction was imposed.
The hearing was conducted by ICC Match Referee Andy Pycroft. During the Asia Cup final on September 28, Jasprit Bumrah (India) accepted a charge under Article 2.21 for conduct that brings the game into disrepute, resulting in one demerit point. As he accepted the sanction, no formal hearing was required.
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% of his match fee and received two additional demerit points, bringing his total to four demerit points within a 24-month period. This resulted in two suspension points under the ICC's disciplinary framework.
Consequently, Rauf is suspended for Pakistan's ODI games against South Africa on November 4 and 6, 2025, as per the Code's regulations.
