A handshake denied: ICC refuses to bow down to PCB’s demand

WEB DESK: In what is being dubbed one of the most controversial moments in the history of Indo-Pak cricketing ties, the 2025 Asia Cup clash between Pakistan and India has triggered a diplomatic-style standoff within the world of cricket.

What began as a routine post-match ritual – the traditional handshake – ended in chaos, confusion, and accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct that now threaten to derail the tournament.

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The high-voltage group-stage match, held at Dubai International Stadium, ended with India emerging victorious. However, instead of the expected display of camaraderie at the end of the match, the Indian players reportedly exited straight to the dressing room, refusing to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. The Pakistani side, visibly surprised and disappointed, stood waiting on the field.

Adding fuel to the fire, Pakistan’s team management revealed that the match referee, Andy Pycroft, had allegedly instructed both captains not to shake hands before the toss. However, whether that directive extended post-match or was even communicated clearly remains a matter of contention.

FORMAL PROTESTS AND RISING TENSIONS

In the immediate aftermath, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson called out what he described as a “severe lack of sportsmanship,” criticising the Indian team’s behaviour and confirming that a formal protest had been lodged with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

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Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema went further, stating that the referee’s handling of the situation, particularly Pycroft’s instructions, contributed directly to the confusion and tension. “The absence of a handshake wasn’t just disappointing; it was damaging to the spirit of the game,” Cheema said.

PCB’S DEMAND AND THREAT

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had sent a strongly-worded letter to the ICC, demanding the immediate removal of Andy Pycroft as match referee for the remainder of the tournament. The letter accuses Pycroft of contributing to the erosion of cricket’s gentlemanly traditions and enabling the Indian team’s disregard for sportsmanship.

PCB had also reportedly threatened to withdraw the national team from the Asia Cup if their demand is not met.

LINES DRAWN: ICC RESPONDS, PRESSURE MOUNTS ON PCB

Back in Lahore, high-level meetings have been taking place. PCB has received a response from the ICC, which, according to sources, has refused to remove Andy Pycroft from his duties. The ICC’s position is that there is “insufficient cause” for action against the referee, despite the political and emotional weight the issue now carries in the subcontinent.

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With the controversy deepening, top PCB officials, including Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed, and Pakistan Super League CEO Salman Naseer, have gathered in Islamabad. A high-level emergency meeting is likely to be convened to chart the PCB’s next steps.

“All options are on the table,” a PCB source confirmed, hinting at possible escalation, including withdrawal from the tournament or formal appeals to the ICC’s ethics and conduct committees.