A new controversy has emerged in the Asia Cup 2025, and it has surprised cricket lovers. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The centre of the complaint is match referee Andy Pycroft, whom Pakistan has accused of taking decisions that hurt the spirit of the game. Pakistan shared information about this matter in the media, after which the debate intensified.

Pakistan alleges that two major events in the India–Pakistan match on September 14 undermined the dignity of the game. The first controversy occurred during the toss, when the PCB claimed Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Pakistan found this extremely unacceptable, as shaking hands at the toss is considered a normal tradition. The second controversy arose after India’s seven-wicket victory. After the win, the Indian players, led by Suryakumar Yadav, refrained from shaking hands with the Pakistani team. The PCB says that this behaviour is against the spirit of the game and that unnecessary political colour tainted it.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi called it a "serious violation" and openly demanded the removal of Andy Pycroft from the tournament. He said that sports should stay away from politics, but these incidents have damaged its credibility. Media reports also say that Pakistan have threatened to boycott the remaining matches. Pakistan have even hinted at refusing to play in the group match against UAE on September 17 if their demands are not met.

This controversy is no longer just a matter of one team's anger, but it can change the direction of the entire tournament. Spectators and experts are now closely watching what stand the ICC and ACC take on this. If Pycroft is removed, it will be a big victory for the PCB, but if the complaint is ignored, the possibility of Pakistan boycotting will grow stronger.