If ever there is an intense rivalry, it is the India-Pakistan encounter, and the 2025 Asia Cup final lived up to that expectation. In fact, India’s fast bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah made news for his on-field celebration after taking the wicket of Pakistan’s Haris Rauf.
The wicket came with the second-last ball of the 18th over when Bumrah unleashed a perfect yorker that knocked the off-stump of Rauf. Then came the celebration, which has sparked debate on whether it should attract a fine.
The background of this incident goes back to the Super Four match between India and Pakistan last week. During that game, Rauf made provocative gestures on the field: he used a “fighter jet” hand gesture and gave a “6-0” sign to Indian fans. Rauf’s behavior, considered aggressive and disrespectful, led the Board of Control for Cricket in India to lodge a formal complaint. And he was fined 30% of his match fees.
After Bumrah’s response to Rauf, several questions were raised as to whether the Indian fast bowler might be subjected to similar action or not.
Celebrations can come under Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct. This article basically says that any words, actions or gestures directed at an out batter that could provoke a reaction from the batter or could be deemed disrespectful are forbidden.
ICC’s Level 1 offense and possible penalties
Article 2.5 says specifically: “Any language, action or gesture used by a Player and directed towards a batter upon his/her dismissal which has the potential to provoke an aggressive reaction from the dismissed batter, whether or not any reaction results, or which could be considered to disparage or demean the dismissed batter, regardless of whether the batter him/herself feels disparaged or demeaned (in other words, a ‘send-off’).”
Without limitation, Article 2.5 includes:
(a) An excessive celebration directed at and in the vicinity of the dismissed batter;
(b) An abuse of words towards the dismissed batter; and
(c) Pointing or gesticulating toward the pavilion.
In stark contrast, the law does allow sportsmen to undertake normal and adequate celebrations. It is for the ICC to determine whether Bumrah’s celebration went too far. If it was, then being Level 1, it would be punished by a fine not exceeding 50% of his match fees and awarding of a demerit point.
As of now, whether Bumrah will be fined or not is still unclear. The ICC is expected to release their official statement shortly which will clear up the murkiness on whether the celebration indeed crossed the line.
