The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has intensified its protest against India following a controversial incident during their Asia Cup clash, threatening to withdraw from the tournament entirely if their grievances are not addressed.
According to journalist Qadir Khawaja, senior PCB officials are seriously considering pulling the national team out of the Asia Cup. The core of the dispute revolves around match referee Andy Pycroft, who allegedly barred both captains from exchanging handshakes at the toss—a time-honored tradition in cricket.
The PCB has formally lodged complaints with both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), calling for Pycroft’s immediate removal from the tournament. In a sharply-worded statement, the PCB said:
“No handshakes were exchanged before or after the match, which is a direct violation of the game’s traditions and the spirit of cricket.”
Further fueling tensions, the PCB claims that tournament officials disclosed the controversial directive originated from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and was ultimately influenced by the Indian government. Tournament Director Andrew Russell initially attributed the decision to the BCCI but later clarified it stemmed from Indian authorities.
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Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the PCB and also President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), publicly condemned Pycroft’s conduct via social media, alleging a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.
“We have demanded the immediate removal of Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup,” Naqvi stated, accusing the official of acting “against the spirit of cricket.”
Sources indicate that Pakistan will refuse to play their upcoming match against UAE if Pycroft continues in his role, marking the potential start of a full boycott.
Tensions spilled over post-match, when Indian players, including skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, briefly celebrated before heading directly into the dressing room—bypassing the traditional handshake. Pakistani players, lined up for the customary gesture, were left waiting as India shut the dressing room doors behind them.
The standoff has triggered concerns about Pakistan’s possible complete withdrawal from the tournament, casting a shadow over the Asia Cup’s credibility and raising questions about its future.
