When Haris Rauf didn’t show up in Pakistan’s playing XI for the first ODI against South Africa in Faisalabad, fans were confused.
Many assumed it was a tactical rest, or perhaps part of a rotation policy. But as the match unfolded, the real story surfaced, and it wasn’t about strategy at all. The fiery pacer was actually suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
What Really Happened?
According to ICC’s official statement, two players each from Pakistan and India were found guilty of breaching the governing body’s Code of Conduct during the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 held in the UAE. The names were: Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan, Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah.
The charges? Violations of Article 2.21, which relates to conduct that brings the game into disrepute. The hearings were conducted by members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, and the outcomes have raised several eyebrows.
Rauf’s Punishment Explained
Haris Rauf was fined 30 per cent of his match fee and handed two demerit points for the group-stage clash against India. But that wasn’t all. In the Asia Cup final, he was found guilty of the same offence again, resulting in another 30 per cent fine and two more demerit points.
That meant four demerit points in total, enough to earn him a two-match suspension, ruling him out of the first two ODIs against South Africa on 4 and 6 November.
The Controversy Behind Closed Doors
What’s caused the real stir, though, is what came out later. Sources close to the matter revealed that Haris Rauf wasn’t even informed about the demerit points during his disciplinary hearing.
Apparently, the pacer was told that his penalty could be reduced if he accepted the charge. When he refused, he was fined 30 per cent of his match fee. But the demerit points were reportedly added later without his knowledge.
If that’s true, it raises serious questions about the transparency of the process. After all, if a player isn’t informed about something that affects his availability, it’s bound to cause frustration.
The Indian Players and the Uneven Scales
On the other hand, the two Indian players also faced sanctions, although many believe they received lenient treatment.
India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav was penalised for making political remarks after India’s win over Pakistan in the group stage. He was fined 30 per cent of his match fee and received just one demerit point.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah accepted his offence for a controversial on-field gesture during the final, earning a single demerit point as well.
But Suryakumar also guided his players not to shake hands or interact with Pakistan’s team after the match, a move that clearly went against the spirit of cricket. Yet, his punishment was far lighter compared to Rauf’s suspension.
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