TimesofIndia.com in Dubai: Pakistan are highly likely to withdraw from the remaining matches of the Asia Cup if match referee
Andy Pycroft is not removed from the tournament’s panel, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has warned.
TimesofIndia.com understands that the latest warning of withdrawal is the result of the controversy over the missing handshakes in the high-voltage Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan on Sunday evening.
The situation has escalated into a full-blown row, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally lodging a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Naqvi confirmed on Monday that the board has demanded “an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup” over alleged violations of the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket.
“The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup,” Naqvi posted on X.
The flashpoint occurred at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium during the toss when Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and Indian skipper
Suryakumar Yadav avoided the customary handshake. According to the PCB, Pycroft had specifically instructed Salman to refrain from shaking hands.
“The match referee Andy Pycroft had asked captain Salman Ali Agha, at the time of the toss, not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart. The Pakistan team management has lodged a protest, calling the behaviour against the spirit of sports,” the board said.
The situation worsened after India’s emphatic seven-wicket win, when Suryakumar shook hands only with batting partner Shivam Dube and walked off without acknowledging the Pakistani players. Pakistan coach Mike Hesson voiced his disappointment.
“Obviously, we were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We were disappointed that our opposition didn't do that. We sort of went over there to shake hands and they were already going to the changing room. That was a disappointing way for the match to end. In a match where we were already disappointed with the way we played, we were at least willing to go and shake hands,” Hesson said.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's social media posts
In protest, captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony.
Suryakumar, however, stood firm, linking the gesture to India’s solidarity with the victims of the
Pahalgam terror attack and the armed forces.
“Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the victims and families of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. I want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery,” he said.
“I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsmanship. I said at the presentation as well that we stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. And we stand with their families too, expressing our solidarity. Also, as I said at the post-match presentation, we dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor.”
The PCB’s complaint now sits at the ICC headquarters chaired by Jay Shah, creating fresh diplomatic and sporting tensions between the two rivals. The board’s stance has been further hardened by the fact that Pycroft is also listed as the referee for Pakistan’s next match against UAE on Wednesday.
“There is nothing more important to me than the honour and prestige of my country,” Naqvi posted later.
Pakistan and India are likely to clash again in the Super Four stage if both sides progress. India have virtually sealed their spot with two wins, while Pakistan face a must-win encounter against UAE. Their potential rematch is scheduled for Sunday in Dubai.
Catch Lovlina Borgohain's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 5. Watch Here Pratyush Raj is a cricket journalist with TOI Sports, specializin...
Read MorePratyush Raj is a cricket journalist with TOI Sports, specializing in all things cricket, both on and off the field. He began his career with the Business Standard before following his passion as a sports reporter for the Times of India in Chandigarh. Pratyush has also contributed to the sports coverage of India Today Group and his last stint was with The Indian Express. His love for sports was nurtured during his upbringing in flood-prone Saharsa, a district in North Bihar, where Cricket Samrat was his constant companion.
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