Asia Cup 2025 No Handshake Controversy: ICC Decision Embarrasses Pakistan; What Next?
No Handshake Controversy: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suffered a major setback. The ICC has outright rejected its request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft over the controversy of 'no handshake' during the match against India in Asia Cup 2025.
Earlier, a senior Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official had said that shaking hands with the opponent at the end of a cricket match is just a goodwill gesture. The official made it clear that what India did was not wrong at all. The BCCI official went on to say that there is no law that forces players to shake hands at the end of the game, and given the rising political tensions between India and Pakistan, it makes no sense for Indian cricket team players to shake hands or have any interaction with the Pakistan cricketers.
PCB Chairman Naqvi demanded removal of Pycroft
On the other hand, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had demanded the immediate removal of Pycroft for giving the message of 'no handshake' to Pakistani captain Salman Aga during the toss in the match with India. Mohsin Naqvi is also the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
PCB had said in its letter that Pycroft had suggested Pakistani captain Salman Agha not to shake hands with Suryakumar Yadav. He also said that Indian players are violating the code of conduct by not shaking hands with the opposition team.
ICC has communicated its decision to PCB
The ICC has made its decision regarding the matter and communicated it to the PCB after conducting an investigation. Some officials from the Asian Cricket Council were already aware that there would be no handshake between the two captains, including the director of the PCB. Additionally, the PCB had filed a formal protest against the Indian players and match referee Pycroft.
Pakistan's next match against UAE
PCB had clearly stated in a letter to ICC that if Andy Pycroft is not removed, they will withdraw their team from the tournament. Pakistan's next match is against UAE on Wednesday. Now the biggest question arises whether Pakistan can withdraw from Asia Cup?
Pakistan will have to admit defeat in order to withdraw
This seems unlikely to happen. Pakistan would have to admit defeat in order to withdraw from the tournament, which would not only result in embarrassment at the international level but also jeopardize Mohsin Naqvi's reputation. As the President of the ACC, any team withdrawing from the tournament during his tenure would be highly embarrassing.
PCB suspends Director of International Cricket Operations
According to reports from Dubai, the PCB has suspended its Director of International Cricket Operations, Usman Wahala, following the 7-wicket defeat to India. Pakistani media reports indicate that the board, led by Mohsin Naqvi, took disciplinary action against Wahala for failing to address the 'handshake controversy' in a timely manner.