The Asia Cup 2025 has taken another dramatic turn off the field, with India captain Suryakumar Yadav facing a formal review by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after a complaint lodged by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The PCB has accused Yadav of “politicising cricket” and breaching the ICC’s code of conduct on neutrality following his post-match remarks after India’s group-stage victory over Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai. According to reports, the governing body has accepted the complaint and is considering convening a hearing.
Under ICC rules, Yadav now has two options: either accept the charge or contest it in front of a match referee, with both the BCCI and PCB expected to have their representatives present.
Sources suggest the PCB has sent a detailed letter urging strict action, claiming Yadav’s comments were “damaging to the spirit of the game” and hurt cricket’s reputation.
This controversy has added another layer of tension to the already high-stakes India–Pakistan rivalry. The drama intensified further after the two teams reportedly skipped the traditional handshake at the toss earlier this month, following match referee instructions.
There were even whispers that the PCB had considered pulling out of the Asia Cup at one stage before talks with officials calmed the situation.
India went on to win that high-voltage clash by seven wickets, but the fallout has been just as fierce as the contest itself. Critics in both nations have described Yadav’s comments as “unprecedented” and “unnecessary” at a time when the tournament should be showcasing cricket rather than controversy.
With the ICC now officially reviewing the case, all eyes are on what action, if any, will be taken. A decision is expected in the coming days, and it could shape not just the rest of the Asia Cup, but also the conversation around sportsmanship in the India–Pakistan rivalry.
