The India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup has escalated into a major controversy after Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. The disgruntled Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) placed the blame on match referee Andy Pycroft, calling for his immediate removal on Monday.
Meanwhile, India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, stood by the team's decision after their 7-wicket triumph on Sunday. Surya defended the stance, stating that some things are beyond the spirit of the game. However, Pakistan is unable to digest this perceived insult. After filing a grievance with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the PCB is now seeking the intervention of the ICC. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the ACC president, stated on 'X', 'The PCB has reported to the ICC that the match referee breached the code of conduct and spirit of cricket by his actions. The PCB demands the immediate removal of the match referee.'
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What the PCB said
The PCB also alleged that Pycroft advised Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha against shaking hands with his Indian counterpart at the toss. Moreover, team manager Naveed Cheema complained that on Pycroft's instructions, there was no exchange of team sheets between the captains.
Source: aajtak
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The BCCI has yet to make an official statement, but there are indications that if India reaches the final on September 28, players might not share the awards platform with Naqvi.
Gambhir made this decision...
The stance was finalized after discussions among team management, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and senior players. The BCCI believes that a handshake is a tradition, not a rule. Since handshakes aren't mandated in the rulebook, India isn't legally obliged. It's anticipated that even if India and Pakistan face off in another Asia Cup match, Indian players will not handshake with Pakistani players.
