The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that it will challenge the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision fining pacer Haris Rauf for breaching the code of conduct during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against India.
Rauf had been penalised 30 percent of his match fee by ICC match referee Richie Richardson after a hearing regarding his conduct during the high-octane encounter. While reports remain unclear on whether the sanction stemmed from a gesture toward the crowd or an act of aggression toward an Indian player, the PCB insists that Rauf’s actions do not constitute a violation.
A senior PCB official confirmed that Rauf pleaded not guilty and that the board is awaiting the official announcement before filing its appeal. “The ICC’s decision does not align with what actually happened on the field. We will contest it,” the official stated.
Adding a personal touch to the high-profile saga, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has pledged to cover Rauf’s fine out of his own pocket if the sanction is upheld after the appeal. “It’s a show of solidarity with our players,” a PCB source said.
This development comes in the wake of a separate ICC verdict against India captain Suryakumar Yadav, who was fined 30 percent of his match fee for post-match remarks deemed in violation of the code of conduct. The PCB had lodged a complaint regarding Yadav’s political comments, which the ICC upheld.
Naqvi has also expressed frustration over delays in official ICC statements, questioning the governing body’s transparency in handling such disciplinary matters.
As Pakistan gears up for the Asia Cup 2025 final against India, the spotlight on Haris Rauf’s appeal adds another dramatic subplot to the already intense arch-rival clash.
