The handshake controversy from the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match on Sunday is escalating. The Pakistan Cricket Council (PCB) officially lodged a complaint against the match referee. PCB is demanding the removal of Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup referee panel, threatening to boycott if he remains.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated, 'We've filed a grievance with the ICC regarding the match referee's alleged breach of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC's Spirit of Cricket laws. PCB insists on the immediate removal of the match referee from the Asia Cup.'
Pakistan alleges that Pycroft favored one side and instructed players not to shake hands. Tensions could rise further since Pakistan warns of boycotting their next match against the UAE on September 17 if Andy Pycroft is not removed.
PCB's Allegations
PCB also claims that Pycroft told Pakistan's captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart at the toss. Team manager Naveed Cheema added that due to Pycroft's directions, there was no exchange of team sheets between the captains.
India's Ready Strategy
Conversely, Team India plans that if another India-Pakistan match occurs in this tournament, Indian players still won't shake hands with the Pakistanis. Reports indicate that if India reaches the final on September 28, players might refuse to stand on the victory stage with Naqvi.
In the India vs. Pakistan encounter, Team India secured a victory with a seven-wicket win. Captain Surya clinched the victory with a six, after which Surya and Shivam Dube ignored the Pakistani players, who waited on the field, and India headed back to the dressing room without engaging further.
