Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been handed a two-match ODI suspension after accumulating four demerit points within 24 months, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed Tuesday.
The 31-year-old will miss Pakistan’s series-opening ODIs against South Africa on November 4 and 6, 2025, following two separate Level 1 breaches during the Asia Cup Super Four clashes against India.
In the September 14 and September 28 matches, Rauf was found guilty of Article 2.21 violations (“conduct that brings the game into disrepute”) for gestures responding to crowd provocation referencing the India-Pakistan military tensions. He was fined 30% of his match fee on both occasions and handed two demerit points each time.
Under ICC rules, four demerit points in a 24-month window automatically convert to two suspension points, triggering the ban.
🚨ICC SUSPENDS HARIS RAUF🚨
– Haris Rauf has been handed a two-match suspension by the ICC for making inappropriate gestures during the Asia Cup clash against India. pic.twitter.com/NMtIrXt6tJ
— Salman. (@TsMeSalman) November 4, 2025
Other Asia Cup sanctions announced today:
- India’s Suryakumar Yadav: 30% match fee fine + 2 demerit points (Sept 14)
- Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan: Official warning + 1 demerit point (Sept 14)
- India’s Jasprit Bumrah: Official warning + 1 demerit point (Sept 28 final)
- India’s Arshdeep Singh: Cleared of all charges (Sept 21)
All players accepted the sanctions proposed by Emirates ICC Elite Panel Match Referees Richie Richardson and Andy Pycroft, eliminating the need for formal hearings.
The ICC reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on gestures that risk inflaming geopolitical tensions, urging players to remain ambassadors for the spirit of cricket even under extreme provocation.
Pakistan will now face the Proteas without their premier pace spearhead for the series opener in Paarl.
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