The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, accusing him of making obscene gestures towards spectators. The incident reportedly occurred on September 21 after the Pakistan-India Super Four clash in the ongoing Asia Cup, raising tensions during an already high-pressure tournament between the two arch-rivals.
In its submission, the PCB argued that Arshdeep’s actions violated the ICC Code of Conduct, claiming his behaviour was unethical and damaged the spirit of the game. The board has urged the governing body to take strict disciplinary action against the Indian left-arm pacer, stressing that such conduct undermines cricket’s values and sets a poor example for fans across the world.
The controversy follows another incident earlier in the Asia Cup, where Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. His remarks referencing military clashes between India and Pakistan after the September 14 group stage match were deemed inappropriate. Although an official public announcement has not yet been made, he was warned by the ICC to avoid political statements in the future.
Read more : ICC cracks down on Yadav’s political statement
Additionally, the PCB has expressed dissatisfaction with the sanction imposed on its own player, fast bowler Haris Rauf, who was fined 30% of his match fee for a gesture considered a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct. The board confirmed that it will appeal the decision, arguing that the penalty was unjustified and inconsistent with similar disciplinary cases involving players from other teams.
With multiple disciplinary complaints now under review, the Asia Cup has seen cricket overshadowed by heated off-field disputes. The PCB insists that both Arshdeep’s behaviour and Suryakumar’s political comments threaten the game’s neutrality, while the appeal for Rauf reflects its stance on fair treatment. The ICC’s rulings in these cases will likely set an important precedent for how it addresses discipline, neutrality, and player conduct in future high-stakes tournaments.