In Asia Cup clash, Green and Blue Shirts’ captains skip traditional handshake at toss, reportedly on Pycroft’s orders
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), calling for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 over the handshake controversy during the Pakistan-India clash. The dispute arose at the toss, where both captains skipped the traditional handshake — an omission reportedly instructed by Pycroft.
“The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding the match referee’s violation of the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC laws. The match referee took action against the spirit of cricket. We have demanded the immediate removal of Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup,” PCB chief Naqvi wrote in a post on his official X, formerly Twitter, handle on Monday.
In its complaint, the PCB chief termed the directive a breach of the spirit of cricket and contrary to the MCC’s laws. “There is nothing more important to me than the honour and prestige of my country,” he said in another X post.
The controversy emerged after Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who struck the winning runs, celebrated with teammate Shivam Dube before heading straight to the dressing room. While the Indian players congratulated each other at the dugout, they refrained from acknowledging or shaking hands with the Pakistani team.
Pakistan’s players lined up expecting the customary handshake, only to see the Indian team retreat and close the dressing room doors.
Head coach Mike Hesson confirmed that the team had been waiting for the gesture that never came.
