Social media users are criticising Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav for politicising a cricket game and accused him of violating ICC code of conduct.
In a post-match ceremony, Suryakumar Yadav dedicated India’s win against Pakistan to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and their families. He also dedicated the win to the armed forces of India.
According to the social media users, Suryakumar Yadav has probably breached the ICC code of conducting by bringing political assertions and references in his speech.
After a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan, the actions of Indian Captain Suryakumar Yadav and the rest of the Indian team grabbed attention for all the wrong reasons, from refusal to shake hands to straight-up walking to the dressing room and then dedicating the victory to the Pahalgam victims and the armed forces of India in a post-med ceremony.
The Indian team has been in hot waters regarding its problematic behavior following the match. The controversy started with the Indian team’s refusal to shake hands with the Pakistani players following the match, which is signaled as a traditional gesture of sportsmanship. When asked about the refusal to shake hands, Indian Captain Suryakumar Yadav defended the team’s actions, stating that some things are above sportsmanship.
He said that the Indian team was in unity regarding the decision not to shake hands with the Pakistani players. He also dedicated the victory to the Indian Armed Forces and the soldiers involved in Operation Sindoor, a recent military operation against Pakistan. Pakistan had downed six Indian jets following a military escalation in May 2025. The hostilities between the two countries have peaked and the diplomatic relations are completely halted, while it is not uncommon for players to show solidarity in their country. Yadav’s repeated references to the military operation, especially in the context involving the rival nation, raised concerns. The International Cricket Council has a strict code of conduct designed to maintain the integrity of the sport. The actions of the Indian team have potentially violated several provisions of this code.
The refusal to shake hands with the opposing team in the match officials falls under Article 2.1.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game or brings the game into disrepute. Shaking hands of them matches a time-honoured tradition.
This action would likely be categorised as Level 1 or Level 2 misconduct depending on the severity of the violation. The second violation came when Yadav made a politically charged statement. Yadav’s comments during the press conference, particularly his repeated references to the operation Sindhur, could be seen as a violation of Article 2.1.7, Public Criticism and Inappropriate Comments. Politically charged statements, especially those referencing, are strictly prohibited in cricket as they risk inciting hostility and undermining the spirit of the game.
If this penalty is being categorised into Level 4, this can lead to suspension or a ban from matches, especially if the remarks are seen to have significantly damaged the reputation of the game. Pakistan captain in protest did not appear for the post-match presentation while broadcasters did not offer an official explanation for his absence.
The timing and the context also raised questions. The social media users have criticised the disgraceful behaviour of the Indian team off the field. They are urging ICC to take strict actions against the several breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct.