PCB lodges ICC complaint over Arshdeep’s alleged obscene gestures

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally complained to the International Cricket Council over Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh’s alleged ‘obscene’ gestures towards spectators after the Pakistan–India Super Four match of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 on September 21. According to sources, the complaint argues that the behaviour violated the ICC Code of Conduct and brought the game into disrepute. The PCB has urged disciplinary action against the player, contending that maintaining decorum is essential given the tournament’s profile and the rivalry’s intensity. The board said the alleged conduct crossed acceptable boundaries for professional athletes. In a related matter, the PCB noted that Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav had already faced a code-of-conduct ruling for remarks hinting at military conflict. The ICC, the report added, told him to avoid political statements, following a PCB complaint on neutrality rules in cricket. Separately, the PCB plans to appeal the 30% match-fee fine imposed on Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf for a gesture made during the tournament. A senior official confirmed the sanction but said the board would challenge the decision. With the Asia Cup final looming, the PCB maintained that cricketing authorities should set a consistent standard of player behaviour and apply the code evenly, particularly in high-pressure fixtures that attract global attention.