The International Cricket Council has dismissed Pakistan’s request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the remainder of the Asia Cup. Sources informed India Today that the ICC would not entertain Pakistan’s demands following the handshake controversy during the India-Pakistan group stage match.
The ICC communicated its decision to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after investigating the matter. Sources also told India Today that some Asian Cricket Council officials, including the PCB director, were aware in advance that there would be no handshake between the two captains.
The PCB had lodged formal complaints against the Indian players and match referee Pycroft. In its letter, the PCB claimed that Pycroft advised Pakistan captain Salman Agha not to shake hands with Suryakumar Yadav. It further alleged that Indian players breached Code of Conduct Rules by refusing to shake hands with the opposition team.
In the letter to the ICC, the PCB explicitly stated that if Andy Pycroft is not removed, they would withdraw their team from the tournament. Pakistan’s next match is scheduled against the UAE tomorrow.
Reports from Dubai also indicated that the PCB suspended its Director of International Cricket Operations, Usman Wahla, following the national men’s team’s seven-wicket defeat to India in the 2025 Asia Cup. According to Pakistani media, the Mohsin Naqvi-led board took disciplinary action against Wahla for “failing to take timely action” over the handshake controversy that overshadowed the high-profile encounter.
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India vs Pakistan: What is the Handshake Controversy?
Pakistan’s frustration arises from the controversy surrounding India’s refusal to shake hands during the group-stage match. On Sunday, 14 September, India captain Suryakumar Yadav declined to greet his counterpart Salman Agha at the toss, which occurred 30 minutes before the match.
After India chased down the 128-run target, with Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube leading the effort, the Indian team refused to shake hands with the Pakistan players and remained in their dressing room after the final ball.
This lack of gesture infuriated Salman Agha, who boycotted the post-match presentation ceremony in protest. While Suryakumar Yadav defended and explained the absence of a handshake, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment over the incident.
The dispute quickly escalated, with Pakistan lodging formal complaints against the Indian players and the referee. “Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let’s hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace,” PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi wrote on X.
As it stands, Pakistan face two options ahead of their match against the UAE on Wednesday, 17 September: either set aside their grievances and continue in the tournament or withdraw, maintaining their stance amid the India-Pakistan standoff.
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