Handshake Row Escalates: Pakistan Threatens Asia Cup Boycott Over Referee.
The handshake snub at the Asia Cup 2025 has spiraled into a full-blown controversy. A day after India captain Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has threatened to pull out of the tournament if match referee Andy Pycroft is not removed.
Why Pakistan is Targeting Pycroft
According to the PCB, Pycroft actively discouraged the customary handshake at the toss, allegedly telling Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha that Suryakumar would not participate. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has formally written to the ICC, demanding Pycroft’s removal. Pycroft, a former Zimbabwe international, is scheduled to oversee Pakistan’s next match against the UAE on Wednesday in Dubai.
ICC sources, however, indicated that such requests are rarely entertained, and no decision has been made. A boycott of Wednesday’s game would see Pakistan automatically eliminated, allowing the UAE to advance to the Super 4 alongside India.
The Flashpoint
The controversy began after India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan on September 14, when Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Salman Ali Agha. Indian players also skipped post-match handshakes, angering Pakistan’s camp.
In protest, Salman Ali Agha boycotted the presentation ceremony, with coach Mike Hesson confirming it was a direct fallout of India’s gesture. Witnesses said Indian players walked straight to their dressing room, with an official even slamming the door shut.
When questioned, Suryakumar defended his decision, saying:
“A few things in life are beyond sportsmanship.”
He dedicated India’s victory to the armed forces and victims of the April Pahalgam terror attack.
Reactions and Fallout
PCB chief Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council, called the incident “utterly disappointing” and accused India of “dragging politics into sport.” He confirmed disciplinary action against PCB’s Director of International Cricket Operations, Usman Wahla, for failing to act on the issue.
Meanwhile, ICC sources clarified that India will not face sanctions, as handshakes are encouraged but not mandatory under the Spirit of Cricket.
India, already through to the Super 4, will play Oman on Friday. Sources say Suryakumar has no intention of shaking hands with Salman Agha if the two sides meet again on September 21.
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