India’s no-handshake sparks escalating crisis
India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan in their Asia Cup group-stage clash in Dubai has spiraled into a full-blown controversy after Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and partner Shivam Dube walked straight to the dressing room without exchanging handshakes.
According to numerous sources Yadav’s actions were at the direct instruction Indian administrators. According to the Hindustan Times: “all decisions were made in the upper echelons of power within the BCCI.”
Yadav later said at the post-match presentation, “We stand with the victims of the Pahalgam attack and their families. We dedicate today’s win to our armed forces.”
The gesture, intended as solidarity with attack victims, triggered an angry response from Pakistan. Team manager Naveed Akram Cheema lodged a protest, saying it was “a violation of sportsmanship.” In a formal PCB statement, the behaviour was branded “unsporting”, adding, “Team manager Naveed Cheema lodged a strong protest against the Indian players’ behaviour of not shaking hands. It was deemed as unsporting and against the spirit of the game.”
PCB demands Pycroft’s removal
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi posted 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.”
Later, Naqvi criticized India’s conduct more broadly, writing, “Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let’s hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace.”
The PCB’s letter to ICC described match referee Andy Pycroft’s conduct as a “serious breach.” Head coach Mike Hesson echoed the frustration at the press conference, calling India’s actions “against the spirit of the game” and adding, “What the Indian team did was inappropriate. Pakistan’s response was natural.”
Boycott threats and ICC warning
According to Cricbuzz, PCB has threatened to boycott its next Asia Cup match against the UAE on September 17 if Pycroft is not removed, though the outlet noted the claim could not be independently verified.
CricketPakistan.com separately reported that the board warned Pycroft must be removed from the Asia Cup or Pakistan would refuse to play any further matches.
The International Cricket Council has since been alerted to the escalating standoff.
India double down with Mohsin Naqvi boycott plan
While Pakistan turned its ire toward Pycroft, India’s players appear set to continue their no-handshake policy throughout the tournament.
According to Hindustan Times, a fresh report suggested that if India win the Asia Cup final on September 28, the team will not share the presentation dais with Naqvi, who is scheduled to hand over the trophy as Asian Cricket Council chief.
This would mark a dramatic extension of India’s protest, ensuring the issue overshadows the tournament’s climax.
PCB suspends Usman Wahla
Amid the fallout, Pakistan Cricket Board also moved against one of its senior administrators.
According to multiple reports, including Cricket Pakistan and A-Sports, PCB suspended Director of International Cricket Usman Wahla for his handling of the incident. He was accused of failing to issue a timely complaint against Pycroft over India’s actions.
The rivalry under strain
The controversy has injected political and administrative tension into one of cricket’s most high-profile rivalries. With the potential of India and Pakistan facing each other again in the Super Four and possibly in the final, both boards are standing firm — one demanding Pycroft’s removal, the other preparing to boycott Naqvi’s presence.
The Asia Cup, designed to showcase the region’s cricketing strength, now risks being overshadowed by disputes that extend well beyond the boundary line.
