PCB targets star India bowler in fresh ICC dispute ahead of Asia Cup 2025 final
The PCB has filed a new complaint with the ICC, accusing India’s Arshdeep Singh of an “unethical act” during the Asia Cup 2025, intensifying Indo-Pak cricket tensions.
India (Image | BCCI on X)
Last Updated: 04.54 PM, Sep 28, 2025
The build-up to the Asia Cup 2025 final has taken a controversial turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) submitting another complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC). This time, the grievance is directed at Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh, who has been accused of an “unethical act” during the recent Super Four clash between India and Pakistan.
According to PCB’s claim, the alleged incident took place in the closing stages of India’s narrow win. The board believes Arshdeep’s gesture crossed the line of acceptable on-field conduct, arguing it breached the ICC’s spirit-of-cricket standards. The complaint comes just days after India’s Suryakumar Yadav was fined for a separate disciplinary breach following remarks made during a presentation.
The fresh complaint has reignited debate about whether the Asia Cup is being overshadowed by off-field disputes. While India has largely brushed aside the allegations as attempts to distract ahead of the final, PCB has demanded strict action, calling the gesture “provocative” and “damaging to the game’s image.”
Rising tensions beyond the boundary between India and Pakistan
This is not the first time in the tournament that conduct between the two rivals has sparked official action. The BCCI previously raised objections over gestures made by Pakistani players, while PCB retaliated by targeting Indian cricketers in successive complaints. The latest move against Arshdeep adds another layer of tension to an already emotionally charged rivalry.
For the ICC, the challenge lies in balancing strict enforcement of its code of conduct with ensuring the focus remains on cricket. If the complaint is upheld, Arshdeep could face sanctions ranging from a fine to a disciplinary hearing. If dismissed, the episode may still leave lingering bitterness between the boards.
As the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan final looms, these disputes risk shifting the spotlight away from performance and onto controversies. Both teams are under pressure to deliver on the field, but the political undertones and disciplinary battles off it may continue to dominate headlines.