New Delhi — The highly anticipated India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match may have featured thrilling play on the field and ended in a draw, but post-match events have now sparked controversy. A comment, in particular, by Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to express serious objections.
During the post-match presentation, Suryakumar Yadav dedicated India’s impressive seven-wicket victory to “our armed forces participating in Operation Sindoor.” He also expressed support for the soldiers and their families martyred in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This statement has now become a topic of discussion beyond cricket, especially in the political and diplomatic spheres.
According to sources, the PCB considers this statement an attempt to politicize the situation and has begun considering filing an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC). According to ICC rules, any formal complaint must be filed within seven days of the incident. Pakistan has until Sunday to do so.
Rameez Raja Expresses Displeasure
Former PCB Chairman and former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja also expressed his concern on this issue. Speaking to the media, he said,>
“I have the biggest objection to Suryakumar Yadav’s post-match presentation. The way he compared the match to a military operation is contrary to the spirit of cricket.
“Ramez Raja believes that sports should be kept separate from politics and players should avoid making sensitive comments that could further escalate the already strained relations between the two countries.
Controversy also arose over “not shaking hands
“After the match, players from both teams did not shake hands, which has sparked a variety of reactions on social media. Although there has been no official statement from either cricket board, the PCB is viewing it as a “lack of sportsmanship.” Some Pakistani analysts have claimed that it was deliberate and “arrogant behavior.”
What is the ICC’s stance?
According to ICC regulations, any board dissatisfied with a player or team’s statement or behavior can file a written complaint. The ICC’s Code of Conduct Committee then decides whether the matter merits disciplinary action.
Although there has been no official response from the ICC yet, experts believe that if Suryakumar Yadav’s statement was made out of humanitarian sympathy and national sentiment, it would not be considered a violation of the Code of Conduct. Nevertheless, the PCB’s complaint cannot be completely ignored.
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