Surya asked to avoid political comments over Pak complaints

India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has been formally warned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to refrain from making political remarks, following a complaint filed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The issue arose after India’s group-stage victory over Pakistan on September 14, when Yadav, in his post-match press conference, dedicated the win to the Indian Armed Forces involved in Operation Sindoor and expressed solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

The PCB specifically objected to Yadav’s reference to Operation Sindoor, the name given by the Indian government to their military retaliation following the Pahalgam attack in April, arguing that his tribute carried political undertones. Yadav appeared before match referee Richie Richardson and pleaded not guilty. The ICC has now advised him against repeating similar comments in the future.

Richardson is expected to announce his decision ahead of India’s final Super 4 match against Sri Lanka. Any potential punishment for Yadav could range from a formal warning to a deduction of match fees, though no verdict has been finalised.

Meanwhile, the ICC will also consider complaints lodged by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) against Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf and opener Sahibzada Farhan for their gestures during the India vs Pakistan Super 4 game in Dubai on September 21. Rauf’s actions appeared to reference Pakistan’s disputed claim of shooting down six Indian jets during earlier border tensions, while Farhan celebrated his fifty with a gesture resembling firing a machine gun, which was widely criticised as insensitive. Farhan, although defended his actions later, reasoning the celebrations to be one that came at the top of his mind.

The gestures by both Pakistan players drew significant criticism on social media, adding to the tensions surrounding the tournament’s high-profile encounters.