India’s Asia Cup campaign has taken an unexpected twist off the field, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav pleading “not guilty” to the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a complaint against his post-match remarks. The controversy stems from Suryakumar dedicating India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the group stage to the armed forces, citing the bravery of those involved in the Pahalgam terror attack. The ICC is expected to deliver its verdict on Friday.

While India defended their captain, the BCCI also lodged its own protest against Pakistan players Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf for inappropriate on-field gestures during the September 21 Super 4 clash. The matter is now with match referee Andy Pycroft, who will oversee hearings for the Pakistani players after their fixture against Bangladesh.

Farhan drew criticism for celebrating his fifty with a “gun gesture” using his bat, while Rauf was seen gesturing toward fans from the boundary and engaging in a heated exchange with Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. These incidents have only added fuel to an already tense rivalry.

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The situation became more sensitive as Pycroft had previously officiated in the group-stage clash where India, following BCCI’s directive, avoided post-match handshakes with Pakistan. Even at the toss, both captains — Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Agha — refrained from the customary gesture, reflecting the charged political backdrop.

🚨 UPDATE ON SURYAKUMAR YADAV 🚨

– Suryakumar Yadav pleads ‘not guilty’ for Pahalgam comments after PCB complains to ICC. [Devendra Pandey From Express Sports] pic.twitter.com/3bSU5A1p31

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 25, 2025

“These are sensitive times, and Surya made it clear during the ICC hearing that he hasn’t violated the code of conduct. He pleaded not guilty, and the verdict will be out tomorrow,” a BCCI source told The Indian Express.

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These Asia Cup encounters are the first between the two nations since the April Pahalgam terror attack, which triggered Operation Sindoor and subsequent cross-border strikes earlier this year. Against this backdrop, every gesture and word has carried extra weight, keeping cricket in the middle of geopolitical tension.