 |
| India's Suryakumar Yadav during the warm up before their match against United Arab Emirates at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 10, 2025. — Reuters |
ICC Instructs Suryakumar Yadav to Avoid Political Remarks
India's Suryakumar Yadav during the warm up before their match against United Arab Emirates at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 10, 2025.
ReutersThe International Cricket Council reprimanded India's Suryakumar Yadav after the Pakistan Cricket Board filed a complaint...
India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav has been formally told by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to steer clear of political comments in future public statements.
The directive came after a formal complaint was lodged by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following remarks Yadav made during the Asia Cup.
What Triggered the Warning?
After India’s group-stage victory over Pakistan on September 14, Yadav dedicated the win to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and referenced Operation Sindoor — a military action by the Indian government. The PCB argued that these remarks crossed into political territory.
During an ICC hearing led by match referee Richie Richardson in Dubai, Yadav was reminded that cricketers must avoid statements that could be construed as promoting political agendas.
While no harsh penalty was announced, the warning serves as a caution for future media conduct.
Broader Context
Earlier, the PCB had formally protested, claiming the remarks violated the ICC’s Code of Conduct that bars political messaging by players.
In fact, Yadav’s dedication and remarks were seen by Pakistan’s board as unnecessary politicization of a sporting event.
After the hearing, the ICC admonished him to stay within “non-political” territory in public statements.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Why was Suryakumar Yadav asked to refrain from political remarks?
Because his post-match remarks referencing Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack were viewed by the PCB as politically loaded, prompting an ICC warning.
Q: Was Yadav punished beyond the warning?
No formal fines or suspensions have been announced yet — the ICC’s directive was primarily a caution, though further sanctions could follow depending on future behavior.
Q: Who oversaw the hearing?
Match referee Richie Richardson led the ICC hearing in Dubai.
Q: Is this a one-off warning or standard for cricketers?
It aligns with ICC policy: players are generally expected to avoid political statements to maintain the neutrality of sport. This case follows similar past warnings.
Q: What happens if he makes another political remark?
Future violations could attract stricter sanctions under ICC’s code — fines, match fee deductions, or even suspensions.