PCB demands removal of match referee over India vs Pakistan handshake row
To ensure that playing against Pakistan did not send a message of normalising relations with the rivals after the heinous Pahalgam terror attack, the Men in Blue made a strong statement on Sunday. After thrashing the arch-rivals by seven wickets in the group-stage India vs Pakistan clash, Suryakumar Yadav and his men shunned the opponents. No customary handshakes followed the match in Dubai, as the India squad swiftly departed into the dressing room, shutting the door in the face of the Pakistan team. The move has left Pakistan rattled, with the PCB now running door to door, demanding action against everyone they can point fingers at for the insult caused by the handshake row.
PCB demands the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from Asia Cup after India vs Pakistan handshake row
The handshake row from the India vs Pakistan clash at the Asia Cup 2025 has quickly escalated into a major controversy. After the Pakistan cricket team raised concerns with the match referee regarding India's conduct, the PCB has now approached the ICC, insisting that the official be removed from his duties. The PCB and the ACC Chair, Mohsin Naqvi have categorically denounced Team India for dragging politics into the storm. However, the board continues to be enraged by the incident, dragging Andy Pycroft into the mix.
The board's stringent response stems from its disappointment over Indian players refusing to take part in the customary post-match handshakes with their Pakistan counterparts. This action of Suryakumar Yadav and his men has sparked criticism from both former Pakistan cricketers and board members alike. Meanwhile, the PCB has placed veteran match referee Andy Pycroft squarely in the eye of the storm.
"The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded the immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup," PCB and Asia Cup chief Mohsin Naqvi posted on X.
Tensions flared again during the toss of the India vs Pakistan match at the Asia Cup 2025, when Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Agha refused to engage in a handshake. However, the situation reached a climax at the conclusion of the game in Dubai, when the entire Indian team bypassed Pakistan, exiting the dugout and heading straight to their dressing room. Despite Pakistan’s attempts to approach the Indian players, the door was locked, leaving the Men in Green waiting in vain.
The lead-up to the India vs Pakistan encounter at Asia Cup was fraught with emotions and drama. With the nation still reeling from the horrific Pahalgam terror attacl earlier this year in April, calls for boycotts had gained significant traction. Despite standing in solidarity with the families of the victims, India had little choice but to play against Pakistan once the Sports Ministry gave its approval. Refusing to participate would have led to severe consequences, but Suryakumar Yadav and his team took a stand within their control, making a firm statement against the country responsible for immense pain and destruction.
While India’s actions may have affected the spirit of the game, as SKY rightly noted, “a few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit.” With India and Pakistan set to face each other again next Sunday in the Super Fours, tensions are expected to rise even further as the handshake saga continues to unfold dramatically.
