The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), demanding that Match Referee Andy Pycroft be removed from his duties at Asia Cup 2025. This follows a heated controversy over handshakes—or lack thereof—between Pakistan and India after their match.According to PCB, Pycroft instructed captains Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan) and Suryakumar Yadav (India) not to shake hands at the toss, calling it “against the spirit of cricket” and in breach of ICC Code of Conduct and MCC Laws. This instruction sparked outrage from Pakistan, which sees it as politicising what should be a neutral, sportsmanship moment.After India won the match by seven wickets, the Indian players reportedly went directly to their dressing room, avoiding the usual post-match handshake with Pakistan. Meanwhile the Pakistan team lined up, but were left waiting. Pakistan’s captain then refused to attend the post-match presentation ceremony in protest.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi condemned the match referee’s actions. He described them as “a serious breach” of sportsmanship and accused Pycroft of violating both the spirit of the game and relevant laws. The Board’s letter to ICC insists on the immediate removal of Pycroft from Asia Cup duties.Officials including team manager Naveed Akram Cheema have lodged formal protests after the incident. They argue that failing to allow the customary handshake harms the image of cricket and disrespects traditions. Coach Mike Hesson also expressed disappointment, saying the Indian side’s decision was “inappropriate”.There is also talk that Pakistan may boycott upcoming matches in Asia Cup if their demand is not met—specifically, if Pycroft remains in his role.The controversy has stirred debate about the role of politics in sport, and whether rules around protocols like handshake ceremonies should be rigid or flexible in tense situations. Many are watching whether the ICC will act swiftly or allow this incident to escalate further.
