Rising tensions after the handshake controversy
The Asia Cup 2025 has been overshadowed by escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the now-infamous “No Handshake” incident during their clash on September 14. India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav declined to shake hands with his Pakistani counterpart at the toss, and the players abstained after the match as well. Yadav later explained in a post match press conference, “It was to honour the 26 victims who lost their lives in a ghastly terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year.”
In response, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match press conference, while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged strong objections against match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of mishandling the situation.
Pakistan demand referee’s removal
The PCB demanded Pycroft’s removal from officiating duties for their following fixtures. The PCB alleged misconduct by Pycroft, accusing him of irregular behaviour around pre-match protocols, including instructions to captains. In a formal letter to the ICC, the PCB charged, “The match referee failed to discharge his responsibility: to ensure that respect was extended and maintained amongst the captains as well as between the two competing sides; and to create a positive atmosphere by his conduct and encourage the captains and participating teams to do likewise.”
The letter further alleged, “In fact, the match referee’s instructions to the two team captains were entirely directed towards achieving the opposite result. This misconduct violates Article 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Match Officials, which specifically makes it an offence for the Match Referee to conduct himself in a manner, which is contrary to the spirit of game and violates the MCC Laws.”
The PCB underlined the seriousness of the matter, adding, “Given the gravity, political nature/background, and far-reaching consequences and repercussions, the misconduct has also caused disrepute to the game.” To support its complaint, the board cited Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct: “Spirit of the game may be defined by reference to the Preamble to the Laws of Cricket and involves respect for, amongst others (a) the role of the umpires and (b) the game and its traditional values.”
Joint press conference with former chiefs
As tensions mounted, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi appeared alongside former chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja at a press conference in Lahore to underline the board’s stance on the handshake controversy. Naqvi confirmed that Andy Pycroft had already addressed Pakistan’s concerns. “A short while ago, the match referee apologised to the captain and team manager. We have also formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to investigate the violations that occurred in the September 14 match,” he said.
Naqvi framed the development as a moral victory for his side. “I consulted with former chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja regarding the situation. Thank God, Pakistan’s honour has been preserved, and now we expect the team to perform at their best.”
Ramiz Raja also welcomed the outcome, though he warned against further distractions. “This is a victory for Pakistan. Whatever emotions were hurt, the focus now must be on team performance. Cricket should remain cricket, not a political platform. Now everyone’s attention should be on cricket; the team must deliver on the field.”
However, Raja also expressed concern about officiating, adding, “Andy Pycroft has shown bias in favour of the India team,” and pointed out that Pycroft has officiated over 90 international matches involving India, making him their “favorite referee.” According to Raja, who handles a lot of tosses as part of his commentary duties, Pyrcoft feels like a “permanent fixture” for India – and called this pattern “blatant” and “one-sided.”
Najam Sethi reiterated the PCB’s long-standing position, stating, “The PCB has always maintained that there should be no politics in sports.”
Boycott threat and cancelled press conferences
The standoff led to extraordinary measures. On September 17, Pakistan cancelled its pre-match press conference before facing the UAE. India, too, pulled out of their scheduled training and media availability. According to Hindustan Times, the BCCI notified journalists in an official WhatsApp message: “Please note there will be no media and practice session tomorrow. It is a rest day. Will convey practice and PC time for pre-match PC for Thursday later.”
Behind the scenes, PCB advisor Amir Mir said in a press conference, “The consultation process is underway. The PCB chairman is holding discussions with former PCB chiefs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi.” He added, “We are trying to get positive news. After consultations, Mohsin Naqvi will announce the decision.”
As uncertainty mounted, PCB chairman and ACC president Mohsin Naqvi posted on X (formerly Twitter): “We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow.”
We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) September 17, 2025
Delayed start and Pycroft’s apology
The Pakistan–UAE fixture, scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm local time, was delayed by an hour as players stayed back at their hotel while negotiations continued.
Eventually, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the deadlock was broken: “This crisis was going on since the match against India. We had objection on Pycroft’s conduct. This matter was only solved after Pycroft apologised over miscommunication at the toss.”
The PCB released a statement that said, “Andy Pycroft had barred the captains of India and Pakistan from shaking hands during their match. The Pakistan Cricket Board had strongly reacted to Andy Pycroft’s actions.” The statement added, “Andy Pycroft termed the September 14 incident a result of miscommunication and apologised. The ICC has expressed its willingness to conduct an inquiry into the code of conduct violation that occurred during the September 14 match.”
However, India Today reported that ICC sources disputed this version, noting that while Pycroft acknowledged miscommunication, he did not apologise for the handshake incident.
A video shared by journalist Ihtisham ul Haq on X showed Pycroft offering words of regret directly to Pakistan’s team manager and captain before the UAE match.
🚨 Video clip of match referee Andy Pycroft apologising to Pakistan’s manager and captain. pic.twitter.com/VnBKM6ePBa
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) September 17, 2025
Match played after standoff
When play finally began, Pakistan were put in to bat by the UAE. Despite early setbacks, Fakhar Zaman’s fifty and a late cameo from Shaheen Afridi took them to 146–9. The bowlers then dismissed the UAE for 105, sealing a 41-run win and qualification for the Super Four.
Pakistan’s victory sets up another high-stakes clash against India on Sunday in Dubai.
Reactions to Pakistan’s reversal
Pakistan’s threat to boycott, followed by a late decision to play, sparked widespread reaction. Commentator Harsha Bhogle remarked on X that ultimatums without follow-through risk damaging credibility. The Iceland Cricket account posted, “Plot twist! In the Pakistani game of poker, they have folded and will now play. Let’s see. We wouldn’t shake on it until we see it. Money talks and the players walk.”
The lesson for all of us is that you must never issue an ultimatum you cannot enforce. It makes you look weak.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 17, 2025
Meanwhile, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi defended the board’s stance, framing the apology as vindication of their protest.
What lies ahead
With emotions still raw, Sunday’s India–Pakistan clash in the Super Four stage promises to carry both sporting and political weight. For now, the Asia Cup 2025 has shown once again how cricket between the two nations cannot be separated from its wider context — both on and off the field.
And most immediately, India and Pakistan are scheduled to face each other again on Sunday, September 21.
