T20I skipper Suryakumar's hearing following PCB complaint done in presence of match-referee, board representatives: ICC sources

By Vipul Kashyap

Dubai [UAE], September 25 (ANI): Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav's hearing for his alleged political comments and provocative gestures by the Pakistan team has been done in the presence of match referee Richie Richardson and the representatives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as per ICC sources.

BCCI has officially lodged a complaint against Pakistan cricketers Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf for their inappropriate actions during the high-voltage Asia Cup's Super Four encounter on September 21.

According to BCCI sources, a complaint has been filed with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and match referee Andy Pycroft. The Indian team has demanded strict action against both players for conduct that they believe crossed the line of acceptable on-field behaviour.

Notably, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had also filed a complaint against the Indian skipper for allegedly making political remarks during the post-match presentation and press conference following the group stage clash between the two rivals.

As per sources, Suryakumar could be let off with a warning or a fine. It is likely that 15 per cent of his match fee will be cut, as per sources.

During Pakistan's innings during the Super Four clash, opener Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his half-century in controversial fashion by holding his bat like a gun, a move that has been widely criticised as being insensitive and provocative. Later in the match, pacer Haris Rauf came under fire for multiple incidents. After dismissing Sanju Samson, Rauf showed aggression, and later, when he was stationed near the boundary rope, responded to the jeers from Indian spectators by lifting his fingers to indicate "0-6", a reference to Pakistan's groundless claims that they downed six Indian fighter jets during the four-day clash at the border after India's Operation Sindoor in May this year.

During the incident, Rauf was teased by the fans with the chants of "Virat Kohli", as the legendary batter had hit him for two successive sixes during a tense run-chase of 160 runs at Melbourne during the T20 World Cup 2022, one of which has been described by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as the 'Shot of the Century'.

Interestingly, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had earlier lodged two complaints with the ICC against the Indian captain. PCB was against Suryakumar Yadav's comment after the game on September 14 on the Pahalgam incident, as, according to them, he made it political.

"Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile," Suryakumar Yadav said after the win.

India has already reached the final of the Asia Cup with wins over Pakistan and Bangladesh in the Super Four, while Pakistan battles Bangladesh today, in a virtual semifinal, with the winner getting to play India in the finals. (ANI)

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