Archive · 18 Sep 2025
Asia Cup Handshake Controversy Continues to Generate Backlash
Following an India-Pakistan cricket match, a controversy erupted because players didn't shake hands.
Former Pakistan players, like Shahid Afridi, questioned India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, for not shaking hands at the toss.
Pakistan claimed the match referee, Andy Pycroft, showed favoritism towards India.
The PCB accused Pycroft of bias, leading to boycott threats.
Pycroft apologized for 'miscommunication', but the PCB still wants an investigation.
Some observers criticized Pakistan's actions as appearing weak.
Former players questioned India's refusal to shake hands at the match.
Pakistan threatened to boycott a match, citing unfair treatment and biased match officials.
Match referee Andy Pycroft apologized for "miscommunication."
The PCB criticized Pycroft's conduct, alleging he acted at the behest of the BCCI.
The PCB lodged complaints to ICC for Pycroft's conduct.
- Who
- Andy Pycroft, Suryakumar Yadav, Ramiz Raja, Shahid Afridi, Harsha Bhogle, PCB
- What
- Controversy over match referee's perceived bias, refusal of handshake, accusations of biased treatment and boycott threats.
- When
- During and after the Asia Cup India vs. Pakistan match on September 14, 2025.
- Where
- Dubai, UAE
- Why
- Due to alleged biased actions by the match referee and the resulting no-handshake incident and team boycotts.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
ICC/Andy Pycroft
Referee's Neutrality
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
PCB questioned Pycroft's neutrality, suggesting bias.
ICC/Andy Pycroft
ICC accepted apology, no investigation planned; initially, for miscommunication.
Handshake Incident
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Blamed Pycroft for the no-handshake and acting partisanly.
ICC/Andy Pycroft
Pycroft apologized for miscommunication.
Team Boycott
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Threatened to boycott the match
ICC/Andy Pycroft
The ICC rejected the plea
- Event
- Asia Cup India vs. Pakistan match
- Match Referee
- Andy Pycroft
- Incident
- No handshake between teams at toss
- PCB Complaint
- Filed complaints, requested Pycroft's removal
- ICC Response
- Apology for miscommunication, no investigation planned initially
- Afridi's Comment
- Yadav shook hands at press conference
Sources
ICC rejects PCB's demand to remove match referee Pycroft from Asia Cup
PCB’s protest over match referee falls flat as ICC backs Pycroft
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