ICC accepts Pakistan’s complaint against Suryakumar Yadav, orders probe: Report

India captain Suryakumar Yadav is facing scrutiny from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed complaints over his remarks made following India’s Asia Cup win against Pakistan on September 14, according to reports.

Match referee Richie Richardson, in a communication with Indian team management, reportedly stated that Suryakumar’s comments during the post-match presentation and press conference may have harmed the image of the sport, warranting charges for “conduct detrimental to the game”.

The controversy stems from Suryakumar dedicating the victory to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and expressing solidarity with the armed forces, while also noting that the Indian team avoided post-match handshakes with Pakistan as per BCCI and government instructions.

Meanwhile, during their second encounter in the tournament, gestures from some Pakistani cricketers were under scrutiny. Batter Shahibzada Farhan performed a gunshot celebration with the bat after scoring a half-century in the first innings against India. In the second innings, Pacer Harris Rauf made a gesture resembling a plane’s take-off and landing with his hands and also signalled 6-0 to the crowd when booed by them over the boundary.

Asked about his teammates’ actions during the pre-match press conference before Pakistan’s next clash against Bangladesh, Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi told reporters, "Look, our job is to play cricket. Honestly, everyone has the right to express the way they want to."

"Everyone has their own respect. Everyone thinks the way they think. But our job is to play cricket. We have come to win the Asia Cup. And we as a team, are doing our best,” the 25-year-old added.

Pakistan have a win and a loss from the two games that they’ve played in the Super 4s so far, with their final clash of the stage set to be played on Thursday against Bangladesh. The winner of that match will play against India, who have already qualified for the final.

(with inputs from syndicated feed)