India captain Suryakumar Yadav has found himself at the centre of a major controversy after the International Cricket Council (ICC) accepted a complaint filed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and agreed to review his post-match remarks made following India’s Asia Cup group-stage victory over Pakistan on September 14.
The PCB accused Yadav of politicising the sport and violating the ICC’s code of conduct relating to neutrality, a charge that could now lead to disciplinary proceedings.
According to Indian media, the ICC is currently examining the complaint, which could result in a formal hearing where Yadav will have the option to either accept the charge or contest it before the ICC match referee.
Representatives from both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the PCB are also expected to be part of the process.
The PCB’s letter to the ICC alleged that Yadav deliberately politicised cricket by referencing the Pahalgam terror incident and “Operation Sindoor” in his post-match comments. It further stated that such actions breached multiple clauses of the ICC’s code of conduct and harmed the spirit of the game.
The letter also warned that failing to take action could risk turning cricket into a political battlefield, recalling past rulings where the ICC deemed slogans like “Free Gaza” to be violations.
The controversy has heightened tensions between the two arch-rivals. Reports noted that India even refused a traditional handshake during the toss, allegedly on instructions from the BCCI and the government, an act that infuriated Pakistan. Following India’s seven-wicket win, Yadav dedicated the victory to victims of the Pahalgam attack and voiced solidarity with the armed forces.
With the ICC now acknowledging the PCB’s complaint, the outcome of the review could set a significant precedent. If found guilty, Suryakumar Yadav may face disciplinary measures, with a final decision expected in the coming weeks.
