On November 4, the International Cricket Council (ICC) took action against players during the India-Pakistan matches in Asia Cup 2025 owing to their conduct. Following this, the ICC sanctioned several players from both teams, with Haris Rauf receiving the severest penalty by being suspended for two matches. A week after these events unfolded, Haris Rauf's reaction has now surfaced.
Haris Rauf expressed his disappointment at the 'harsh and unforgiving' nature of international cricket. He mentioned that in this sport, players are expected to perform 'not as humans, but as robots'.
Rauf candidly spoke about facing criticism for his average performance in recent matches, especially the Asia Cup final against India.
During the first ODI played in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, Rauf bowled a match-winning spell, taking 3 wickets and leading Pakistan to a narrow 6-run victory against Sri Lanka.
Earlier, during the South Africa series, he was suspended for 2 matches due to gestures deemed objectionable during the Asia Cup match against India, which allegedly 'damaged the spirit of the game'.
In a post-match press conference, when asked why he often falters in big matches (such as the Asia Cup final against India), he replied, 'There is no forgiveness for us. People expect us to be like robots, but we are human. Bad days can occur even for us.'
In the Asia Cup final, Rauf turned out to be the most expensive bowler, conceding 50 runs in 3.4 overs, where India emerged victorious. He pressed that a bad day can happen to anyone as a player since strategies don't always succeed.
He remarked, 'The most important thing is not to give up. A bad day doesn't end a player's life. We rely on our abilities and continuously work to rectify mistakes. Any bowler can face a bad day.'
When asked about fans' dissatisfaction, Rauf urged them not to doubt that players always give their 100% even on bad days.
The Pakistani fast bowler stated, 'No player likes criticism. Everyone may have their opinion, but there is no leeway for us. You can play 10 good matches, but people will only remember your bad performance.'
Additionally, he expressed his desire to play Test cricket too. 'I want to play Tests for Pakistan whenever the selectors or the board wants. My only request is to inform us in advance so we can prepare for red-ball cricket, where we have to bowl more overs in a day.'
Action Taken Against Haris Rauf and Others During the India-Pakistan Asia Cup... Learn What Happened
September 14, 2025 – Following a hearing by ICC match referee Richie Richardson regarding the India vs Pakistan match, this decision was made.
- Suryakumar Yadav (India) was found guilty of violating ICC Code of Conduct Section 2.21, related to behavior detrimental to the spirit of the game. He was fined 30% of his match fee and awarded 2 demerit points.
- Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan) was also found guilty of the same violation. He received an official reprimand and 1 demerit point.
- Haris Rauf (Pakistan) was likewise guilty of this breach. He was fined 30% of his match fee and given 2 demerit points.
September 21, 2025 – A ruling regarding the India vs Pakistan match after a hearing by ICC match referee Andy Pycroft on November 4 stated...
- Arshdeep Singh (India) was found not guilty of an alleged violation of Section 2.6 (related to making obscene, offensive, or insulting gestures), so no action was taken against him.
September 28, 2025 Final – Jasprit Bumrah (India) admitted to the charges under Section 2.21, related to conduct detrimental to the game's image. He received an official warning and 1 demerit point. Since he accepted the penalty, no formal hearing was conducted.
Another hearing by ICC match referee Richie Richardson found Haris Rauf (Pakistan) guilty again under Section 2.21. He was fined 30% of his match fee and awarded 2 more demerit points.
Thus, within a 24-month period, Haris Rauf accumulated a total of 4 demerit points, converting into 2 suspension points as per the ICC disciplinary system. Consequently, Haris Rauf was slapped with a 2-match ban, preventing him from participating in Pakistan's ODIs against South Africa on November 4 and 6, 2025.
How Declarations and Suspensions Work for Players
A Level 1 violation can result in at least an official reprimand and a maximum fine of 50% of the match fee and 1 or 2 demerit points.
If a player accumulates 4 or more demerit points within 24 months, they are converted into suspension points.
2 suspension points equate to a ban of 1 Test, or 2 ODIs, or 2 T20 matches, whichever comes first.
Demerit points remain on record for 24 months from the date they are applied, after which they are expunged.
