Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been handed a two-match suspension and will therefore miss the opening One Day Internationals against South Africa scheduled for November 4 and 6.
The sanction is the cumulative result of multiple breaches of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Code of Conduct committed by several Indian and Pakistani players during the recent Asia Cup tournament.
The disciplinary action stems from rigorous proceedings conducted by the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees following incidents that occurred during the crucial matches between India and Pakistan on September 14, 21, and the final on September 28.
Rauf’s suspension was triggered after he accumulated a total of four demerit points within a 24-month period, which automatically converted into two suspension points under the ICC’s disciplinary framework.
The fast bowler was first penalized following the September 14 clash. He was found guilty of violating Article 2.21 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to conduct that brings the game into disrepute. This resulted in a fine amounting to 30 percent of his match fee and two demerit points. Rauf was subsequently found guilty of the same offense in a later incident and received two additional demerit points and a second 30 percent fine, solidifying his suspension. Both hearings involving Rauf were conducted by ICC Match Referee Richie Richardson.
Rauf was not the only Pakistani player sanctioned from the September 14 encounter. Teammate Sahibzada Farhan was also found guilty of breaching Article 2.21 and received an official warning along with one demerit point.
Indian players faced penalties as well. India’s Sachin Yadav was found guilty of breaching Article 2.21 during the September 14 fixture, leading to a 30 percent match fee fine and two demerit points. During the Asia Cup final on September 28, Jasprit Bumrah accepted a charge under Article 2.21, resulting in an official warning and one demerit point without the need for a formal hearing.
However, not all allegations resulted in penalties. In the September 21 encounter between the neighboring countries, India’s Arshdeep Singh was cleared of an alleged breach of Article 2.6—concerning the use of an obscene, offensive, or insulting gesture—following a hearing conducted by Match Referee Andy Pycroft, resulting in no sanction being imposed.
