India denies Pycroft involvement in no-handshake decision
The fallout from the India–Pakistan Asia Cup clash in Dubai continues, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) dismissing accusations that match referee Andy Pycroft instructed players to skip handshakes before and after the game.
According to multiple Indian media outlets, no such directive was given to captain Suryakumar Yadav by Pycroft. Instead, India had already decided to refrain from handshakes as a mark of solidarity with the victims of the recent Pahalgam attack.
At the post-match press conference, Yadav defended the decision:
“I feel a few things, few things in life, are ahead of sportsmen’s spirit also.”
Pakistan lodges formal complaint with ICC
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reacted strongly, filing a complaint with the ICC against Pycroft. The board alleged that the referee’s conduct was “contrary to the spirit of the game” under Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
PCB chairman and ACC president Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the action publicly, writing on X:
“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 pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.”
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 pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) September 15, 2025
In its letter to the ICC, reported by Times of India, the PCB accused Pycroft of misconduct, stating:
“It is alarming to note that an ICC-appointed and supposedly neutral match referee opted to indulge in conduct, which clearly violates the Spirit of Cricket and MCC Laws.”
The letter went further, adding:
“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.”
“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.”
“Given the gravity, political nature/background, and far-reaching consequences and repercussions, the misconduct has also caused disrepute to the game.”
Mixed signals from PCB on potential withdrawal
According to multiple reports, Pakistan initially threatened to withdraw from the Asia Cup if Pycroft continued as match referee. However, ESPNcricinfo reported the PCB has not formally declared its intention to withdraw, regardless of the ICC’s ruling.
ICC rejects appeal, clarifies ACC’s role
Ultimately, the ICC turned down the PCB’s demand. An ICC source told PTI:
“Late last night, ICC had sent a reply to PCB stating that Pycroft won’t be removed and their plea has been rejected.”
According to Times of India, the ICC clarified in an official letter that it was actually the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) officials on the ground — not Pycroft — who relayed instructions regarding the no-handshake policy.
Pakistan expresses disappointment, India stands firm
Adding to the tensions, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson criticised India’s decision to walk away immediately after their seven-wicket victory.
“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.”
A rivalry beyond cricket
The diplomatic undertones surrounding the incident highlight how India–Pakistan cricket remains inseparable from politics. The lack of handshakes contrasted sharply with past displays of camaraderie between the players, further intensifying scrutiny of the match.
With the ICC standing firm on Pycroft’s role and the PCB weighing its next steps, the Asia Cup’s on-field drama has become overshadowed by a growing off-field storm.
