ICC Fines Suryakumar Yadav for Comments on Pahalgam Attack and Conduct in India-Pakistan Clash

Sept 2025 : Indian cricket team captain Suryakumar Yadav’s remarks following India’s victory over Pakistan on September 14 have landed him in trouble with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The governing body found his statements referencing the Indian Army and the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack to be inappropriate and imposed a penalty.

According to reports, Suryakumar has been fined 30 percent of his match fee. The ICC has also cautioned him against making political statements in the future.

During the post-match prize distribution ceremony, Suryakumar dedicated the win to the armed forces, saying, “This is the right opportunity. We stand with the victims of the Pahalgam attack. We want to dedicate this victory to our armed forces who showed bravery. We will continue to give them a chance to smile on the field.”

The controversy deepened when Suryakumar chose not to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha at the toss. Following the match, Indian players also refrained from exchanging handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts. At the post-match press conference, when asked about this gesture and told it went against the spirit of the game, the Indian skipper responded, “There is more than just sportsmanship. We stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and dedicate this to the armed forces who participated in Operation Sindoor.”

Taking note of this, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, terming the behavior unsportsmanlike and contrary to the spirit of cricket. After reviewing the matter, ICC match referee Richie Richardson ruled against Suryakumar, leading to the fine.

Reports suggest that Suryakumar has appealed the ICC’s decision, which could prompt a rehearing of the case. If upheld, the decision could set a precedent for how players’ political or nationalistic remarks are handled in international cricket.

While the episode has sparked debate, it highlights the ICC’s stance on keeping cricket free from political overtones, even in emotionally charged contests like India vs Pakistan.