PCB demands ICC action against Suryakumar Yadav over political remarks

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally filed a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, accusing him of making politically charged remarks after a recent Asia Cup match. According to sources, the ICC has acknowledged receiving the letter and is reviewing the matter.

In its complaint, the PCB alleged that Yadav’s post-match comments deliberately referenced the “Pahalgam incident” and “Operation Sindoor,” which, the board claims, are politically sensitive topics that violate the ICC’s Code of Conduct. The PCB argued that his statements were not only inappropriate but also detrimental to the spirit of the game.

The letter also cited previous ICC rulings, including bans on slogans such as “Free Gaza” and “Freedom is a Human Right” during matches, to emphasize the importance of keeping politics away from the sport. “If similar actions were deemed unacceptable in the past, then Yadav’s comments should be treated with the same seriousness,” the PCB stated in its letter.

“The Indian captain’s remarks were clearly targeted and politically motivated,” a source close to the PCB said. “Cricket must remain free from nationalistic agendas, and the ICC has a responsibility to uphold that.”

The complaint warned that failure to act could set a dangerous precedent, turning cricket grounds into platforms for political messaging. The PCB has urged the ICC to take strict disciplinary action, suggesting that the integrity of international cricket is at stake.

The controversy erupted following India’s group stage win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, where Suryakumar Yadav, during his post-match comments, referenced the Pahalgam incident—sparking immediate backlash and diplomatic concerns within the cricketing world.