ICC match referee Andy Pycroft has issued an apology to the Pakistan cricket team following a controversial incident during the Asia Cup 2025 match between Pakistan and India. The incident, which occurred on September 14, saw both captains skip the customary handshake at the toss, sparking a disagreement between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pycroft.
In a statement, the PCB confirmed that Pycroft had acknowledged the issue as a result of miscommunication and expressed regret. The ICC also conveyed its willingness to investigate potential violations of the code of conduct linked to the incident.
Following Pycroft’s apology, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media, calling for national support for the team. Naqvi also mentioned that the board had formally requested an inquiry into the violations that transpired during the Pakistan-India match. He added that he had consulted with former PCB chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja on the matter. Naqvi expressed relief, saying that Pakistan’s honor had been upheld and hoped the team would now focus on performing on the field.
Sethi emphasized that the PCB has always maintained that politics should stay out of sports, while Raja referred to the incident as a victory for Pakistan and urged the team to prove themselves through performance. Raja also took issue with Pycroft, alleging that he had been biased in favor of India, citing Pycroft’s extensive history officiating in Indian matches.
After the apology, Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha and UAE’s captain Muhammad Waseem proceeded to the pitch for the toss. The PCB had earlier instructed the team to remain at their hotel but allowed them to travel to the stadium after receiving clearance from the board. The match was delayed by an hour due to the controversy, with the toss scheduled for 8:00 pm and the match starting at 8:30 pm (PST).
The controversy began when both Indian and Pakistani captains skipped the handshake at the toss, a tradition in cricket. This omission was reportedly directed by Pycroft. The situation worsened after the match when the Indian team also avoided shaking hands with the Pakistani players, despite the customary post-match exchange.
India’s captain Suryakumar defended his team’s actions, claiming that the decision was aligned with the stance of their government and cricket board. This decision caused a strong backlash within the cricketing community and among PCB officials, including Naqvi, who also serves as the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
In protest, Pakistan’s captain Agha refused to attend the post-match presentation ceremony, breaking from the typical protocol where captains usually share their thoughts. The PCB also filed a formal complaint with the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) demanding Pycroft’s removal from the Asia Cup 2025.
Earlier, the PCB had sent a second letter to the ICC after the latter rejected their request to remove Pycroft from the tournament. The PCB’s stance is firm, stating that they will not participate in matches overseen by Pycroft and will boycott any such games unless their demands are addressed. According to sources, the PCB is dissatisfied with the ICC’s response to the matter and views the inquiry as a mere formality.
The controversy surrounding the handshake continues to stir tensions, with the PCB adamant that all concerns be properly addressed before Pakistan agrees to play under Pycroft’s officiation.
