Jasprit Bumrah Penalized by ICC in Asia Cup 2025 Incident
Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah received a demerit point from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after his celebration gesture during the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan.
“Jasprit Bumrah (India) accepted a charge under Article 2.21 for conduct that brings the game into disrepute and the proposed sanction of an official warning, which resulted in one demerit point. As he accepted the sanction, no formal hearing was required,” stated the ICC release.
Bumrah’s gesture, described as a “plane” send-off directed at Haris Rauf, echoed a controversial move Rauf himself had made earlier in the tournament. The gesture drew public criticism for its perceived reference to military tensions between India and Pakistan.
Context of the Incident
During the final match, Bumrah bowled out Rauf in the 18th over and imitated the same gesture previously made by the Pakistani pacer in the Super 4 stage. The ICC viewed the act as unsporting behavior but considered Bumrah's acceptance of the charge as mitigating.
Arshdeep Singh Cleared of Charges
Another Indian pacer, Arshdeep Singh, underwent a separate hearing overseen by match referee Andy Pycroft. The inquiry concerned a potential breach of ICC's conduct code during the Super 4 clash against Pakistan.
“Following a hearing conducted by ICC Match Referee Andy Pycroft: Arshdeep Singh (India) was found not guilty of an alleged breach of Article 2,” the ICC statement confirmed.
Summary
ICC issued Bumrah a warning and one demerit point for an inappropriate celebration, while Arshdeep Singh faced no sanction after review.
Author’s Summary: Bumrah faced ICC penalty for his 'plane' gesture in the Asia Cup final, while Arshdeep Singh was acquitted of misconduct charges after a hearing.