Suryakumar Yadav charged under ICC Code of Conduct as India challenge disciplinary verdict
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav has been charged with breaching the ICC Code of Conduct after PCB’s complaint. The BCCI has filed an appeal against the ruling.
Suryakumar Yadav (Image | BCCI on X)
Last Updated: 07.14 PM, Sep 26, 2025
India’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign has taken a dramatic turn off the field, with captain Suryakumar Yadav facing disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council (ICC). He has been found guilty of breaching the governing body’s Code of Conduct following a complaint lodged by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The controversy began after India’s high-voltage clash against Pakistan on September 14. During the post-match presentation, Suryakumar dedicated the victory to victims of a terror attack in Pahalgam and spoke about the bravery of Indian soldiers. The PCB objected to these remarks, calling them political in nature and against the ICC’s principle of neutrality in cricket.
After reviewing the statements, the match referee concluded that the comments were inappropriate and constituted a violation of the Code of Conduct. This led to an official charge being placed on the Indian captain, sparking heated debate across the cricketing community.
BCCI steps in with an appeal
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has moved quickly to defend its skipper, filing an appeal against the verdict. According to sources, the Indian board believes the remarks were an emotional expression and not intended as a political statement. The appeal now puts the onus on the ICC to revisit the referee’s decision.
If the ruling is upheld, Suryakumar could face penalties ranging from fines and demerit points to a possible suspension, depending on the severity the ICC attaches to the case. On the other hand, a successful appeal might see him escape punishment altogether or receive a reduced sanction.
This case once again highlights the delicate line players must walk between personal expression and the ICC’s strict rules on avoiding political or religious messaging on the field. While Suryakumar’s words were seen by many fans as a heartfelt gesture, the ICC’s regulations emphasize keeping cricket free from political narratives.