The Indian cricket team has firmly rejected Pakistan’s allegation that match referee Andy Pycroft instructed both captains to skip the customary handshake at the toss during the high-profile Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash between India and Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC), accusing Pycroft of violating the ICC’s Code of Conduct and the Spirit of Cricket. PCB claimed that Pycroft allegedly told India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, and Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, not to shake hands during the toss.
Indian Team’s Response: No Instruction Given
Indian team sources have denied that Pycroft conveyed any such instruction to Suryakumar Yadav. According to the Indian camp, the decision to forgo the handshake was independently made by the players as a gesture of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the military operations in Kashmir.
In the post-match press conference, Suryakumar explained the reasoning behind the decision, stating, “Some things in life go beyond sportsmanship.” He confirmed that the handshake was deliberately skipped both before and after the match, which India won by seven wickets.
PCB’s Allegations and Demand for Action
Despite India’s denials, the PCB maintained its stance that Pycroft privately informed both captains before the toss about the no-handshake decision, allegedly under instructions from the Indian board. The PCB invoked Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with conduct “contrary to the spirit of the game,” as well as the MCC Laws that emphasize respect for cricket’s traditions and values.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, also the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), demanded that Pycroft be removed from the tournament immediately. In a social media statement, Naqvi called for action, saying, “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.”
Pakistan Coach Expresses Disappointment Over the No-Handshake Situation
Adding to the tension, Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment over the lack of post-match interaction. “We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We went over there to shake hands, but they had already gone into the changing room,” Hesson said, highlighting the friction created by the no-handshake decision.
Political Tension Surrounds the Match
The match between India and Pakistan was not just a cricketing encounter but was also marked by political undertones, reflecting the strained relations between the two nations. This tension contrasted with previous instances of camaraderie between Indian and Pakistani players, as old images of Virat Kohli chatting with Babar Azam and other friendly gestures between the two teams resurfaced on social media.
Despite the off-field drama, the match drew a near-capacity crowd in Dubai, a stark contrast to the largely empty stands seen in earlier tournament games. The India-Pakistan rivalry remains one of the most captivating spectacles in world cricket, and the Asia Cup 2025 could see both teams clash again if Pakistan defeats the UAE to progress to the Super Four stage.
Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on Today Cricket Matches!