Ahead of Sunday’s Asia Cup Final, ICC Warns SKY to Avoid Political Statements: Sources

Sports News: Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav was on Thursday advised by ICC match referee Richie Richardson to avoid making comments that could be construed as political. This came after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a complaint against him following India’s Asia Cup group-stage win on September 14. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is now facing a major dispute, as both Pakistan and India have lodged complaints against each other during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. The two teams will meet for the third time in the tournament in Sunday’s final match.

PCB’s Complaint Over Suryakumar Yadav

The PCB alleged that Yadav’s post-match remarks after India’s September 15 victory over Pakistan, where he dedicated the win to victims of the Pahalgam massacre, were political in tone. Pakistan also raised objections to the Indian team not shaking hands after the match, calling it a breach of sporting spirit. India reacted quickly. Earlier that day, the BCCI filed its own complaint with the ICC, accusing Pakistani players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan of provocative on-field gestures during the September 21 Super 4s game in Dubai. Rauf was said to have signalled “6-0”, reportedly referring to Pakistan’s claim of six Indian aircraft being shot down during Operation Sindoor, while Farhan was accused of mimicking firing an AK-47. These actions have caused outrage among Indian officials and fans.

ICC Summons Players Ahead Of The Final

The ICC has now called Pakistan’s captain and the two players to appear before Richardson on Friday. A final decision on these complaints is expected before Sunday’s Asia Cup final. This controversy follows an earlier incident involving a meeting between the Pakistani team and referee Andy Pycroft after the first India-Pakistan clash. Despite ICC rules forbidding recordings in players’ areas, Pakistan’s media manager filmed the meeting and circulated it locally. ICC sources say Pakistan later misrepresented Pycroft’s comments as an “apology” over the handshake issue, when he was only trying to clear up a misunderstanding.

Possible ICC Actions Before The Big Game

According to sources, Suryakumar Yadav may get away with only a warning because handshakes fall under tradition rather than official ICC rules. However, the gestures by Pakistani players are expected to face closer review because of their political meaning. ICC punishments range from simple warnings to match bans, depending on how serious the offence is. With the Asia Cup final just days away, the ICC will have to move quickly and firmly so that the climax of the tournament is not taken over by political disputes spilling into cricket.