Haris Rauf penalized for repeated gesture during Asia Cup
Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf received a two-match ban after accumulating four demerit points from separate Asia Cup matches against India. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the decision on Tuesday, citing violations of the code of conduct during the final in Dubai on September 28.
The suspension means Rauf missed the second and third ODIs of the current series against South Africa in Faisalabad. He had already been absent from the opening match earlier in the week.
Hearing details and disputed communication
According to a report by Geo News, Rauf was never formally informed about the demerit points during the ICC disciplinary hearing. The session, supervised by ICC Match Referee Richie Richardson, concluded that Rauf had once again breached Article 2.21 by performing the same “jet-crashing” gesture for which he had previously been sanctioned.
“The demerit points were not discussed during the hearing and were added later without prior notice,” the report stated.
Rauf was fined 30 percent of his match fee, though the penalty might have been reduced had he acknowledged the charge. His refusal resulted in the full fine being enforced.
Author’s summary
Despite his defense, Haris Rauf’s repeated on-field behavior led to a two-match ban by the ICC, with reports suggesting unclear communication over the added demerit points.