'Politics and cricket cannot go together. Let sports remain sports': PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi after Asia Cup pull out threat

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi claimed on Wednesday that match referee Andy Pycroft has formally apologised for the recent handshake controversy during the Asia Cup match against India. The ICC has also agreed to investigate code of conduct violations from the September 14 match.

Speaking at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore alongside former chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, Naqvi confirmed that Pycroft apologised to Pakistan's team captain Salman Ali Agha, coach and team manager for the incident. It must be mentioned here, however, that as TimesofIndia.com reported, no "apology" was issued. Instead, a clarity was made by the Zimbabwean official for the miscommunication.




“Politics and cricket cannot go together. Let sports remain sports. Cricket should be above all this,” said Naqvi, adding that conferred with his predecessors on a potential boycott of the Asia Cup.

"A short while ago, the match referee apologised to the captain and team manager. We have also formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to investigate the violations that occurred in the September 14 match," Naqvi added.

He continued: "These two specially came and we were constantly monitoring this because we did not even know ourselves what decision would be taken at the last moment. I consulted with former chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja regarding the situation. God maintained Pakistan’s dignity as the nation was expecting and I hope that we will now focus on cricket and not on politics."

The PCB explained that Pycroft admitted the controversy stemmed from miscommunication when he stopped the captains from shaking hands. The board had strongly objected to this action at the time.

Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja welcomed the development. He called it a win for Pakistan. He also urged everyone involved to focus on cricket rather than off-field issues.

As a result of a dramatic day and back-channel talks, the match between Pakistan and UAE was delayed by an hour. When it did take place eventually, Pakistan beat UAE by 41 runs to book their place in the Super 4s alongside India. The two arch-rivals will meet once again on Sunday.
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