Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has only been cautioned by the ICC against Pakistan’s complaint after Yadav dedicated India’s Super-Four victory to India’s armed forces and the victims of Pahalgam terror attack.
On Thursday, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav was summoned by the ICC after a formal complaint from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
According to those present, Suryakumar, accompanied by BCCI COO Hemang Amin and Cricket Operations Manager Summer Mallapurkar, appeared before match referee Richie Richardson. The Indian captain “pleaded not guilty,” arguing that his words were in solidarity with his countrymen rather than political messaging.
According to PTI, Richardson, however, reminded the 34-year-old to steer clear of comments that could be construed as political. A Level 1 offence under the ICC code of conduct usually carries a warning or a fine of 15% of match fees. For now, Surya has escaped with just a caution.
If India’s skipper had to defend his words, Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and Shahibzada Farhin must defend their actions. The BCCI has lodged a separate complaint, citing their provocative gestures during Super-Four clash on 21st September 21.
Rauf allegedly mimicked the shooting down of an aircraft, a gesture that instantly reminded Indian supporters of past military confrontations. Farhan, after his fifty, went a step further as he wielded his bat like a machine gun in celebration. All this was quite bewildering considering the two nations went into a war a few months ago. It was apparent, for Indians, as a mockery.
Farhan later shrugged it off as “something that came to mind,” but the ICC is unlikely to be so forgiving. Their hearing, slated for Friday, could set an important precedent on how far on-field theatrics can go before they cross the line.
