The match between India and Pakistan during the Asia Cup 2025 was not limited to the game but also raised many questions beyond the field. In this match played in Dubai on Sunday, 14 September, India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets, but the topic of discussion was not the result of the match but the events after the match. The controversy started right from the toss. India captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Agha. After the match, the Indian players went straight to the dressing room and skipped the customary handshake with the Pakistan players.
PCB's objections and ICC's response
The Pakistan Cricket Board strongly objected to the incident. Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi accused India of dragging politics into the game and called it against sportsmanship. At the same time, team manager Naved Cheema lodged an official complaint and alleged that match referee Andy Pycroft instructed the captains not to shake hands. The PCB further claimed that Pycroft prevented both teams from sharing official sheets before the toss. On this basis, the PCB demanded that the ICC and Asian Cricket Council remove Pycroft immediately. Some reports said Pakistan warned that if Pycroft was not removed, they would skip their next match against the UAE.
However, ICC rejected this demand. According to sources, the organisation conducted an internal review and found that Pycroft's role was not as serious as claimed. ICC clearly said that removing an official at the demand of any one member board can set a dangerous precedent. Pycroft, a senior match referee with extensive experience, will officiate in the final group stage match between Pakistan and the UAE.
Tussle within PCB
The impact of this entire controversy was also seen within the PCB. Director of International Cricket Operations, Usman Wahla, was suspended because he failed to inform the team management in advance about the tournament's handshake rules. This made it clear that the controversy caused tension and confusion not only at the international level but also within the Pakistan board.
After all, this matter went far beyond the win or loss of a match. Suryakumar Yadav's team performed brilliantly on the field, but the subsequent developments raised questions about the spirit of the game. On the other hand, the tough stance of the ICC indicates that the organisation is not ready to bow down to any kind of pressure. Now all eyes will be on how Pakistan's performance against the UAE is affected by the shadow of this controversy.
