ICC likely to take action against India’s Suryakumar Yadav after Pakistan complaint

DUBAI: Indian cricket captain Suryakumar Yadav is facing potential disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council (ICC) following a formal complaint lodged by Pakistan over political remarks he made after the recent Asia Cup match between the two teams.

The match referee, Richie Richardson, is investigating the matter. According to sources in Indian media, the ICC has officially acknowledged Pakistan’s complaint and is in the process of reviewing the situation. A formal hearing is expected to take place soon, with two official reports from Pakistan already received.

Also read: Pak vs Ind: PCB protests Indian team’s conduct, urges ICC action

The controversy erupted after India’s group-stage encounter with Pakistan, where Suryakumar Yadav was heard making statements that were perceived as politically charged. The remarks, which were deemed inappropriate and damaging to the spirit of the game, were not well received by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), prompting them to file a formal grievance with the ICC.

Match referee Richie Richardson has since emailed the Indian team management, outlining that the comments made by Yadav appear to have harmed the reputation of the sport. He has recommended that the evidence submitted by Pakistan be thoroughly reviewed and that appropriate action be taken against the Indian cricketer.

The situation is still unfolding, and while no formal decision has been made, sources suggest that action against Suryakumar Yadav could be imminent.

COMPLAINTS CONTINUE, REDRESSAL AWAITED

Earlier, the PCB had also moved the ICC against Asia Cup 2025 umpire Andy Pycroft for forbading Pakistan and India captains from shaking hands before the toss in their first Asia Cup encounter.

PCB had also lodged a formal complaint with the ICC and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) over the conduct of the Indian team. In its letter, the PCB invoked the “spirit of cricket,” expressing displeasure at what it described as unsportsmanlike behaviour by Indian players, who allegedly refused to shake hands after the match, an act the board believes tarnished the game’s image.

Also read: Pak vs UAE: Andy Pycroft apologises, Shaheens reach stadium

While the Indian team’s handshake controversy remains unaddressed, until now, the umpire Pycroft had issued an apology to Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and the team manager for instructing players not to shake hands during the toss of the Pakistan–India Asia Cup clash.

According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Pycroft admitted that the “no handshake” instruction, reportedly given on the Indian board’s request, had created an unnecessary controversy.