India won the India-Pakistan match of Asia Cup in Dubai by a huge margin of 7 wickets, but the real drama happened after the match.
The controversy over not shaking hands became so terrible that Pakistan threatened to withdraw from Asia Cup 2025.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi clearly said that if match referee Andy Pycroft is not removed from the tournament immediately, Pakistan will not play the remaining matches.
All this started with India’s ‘no handshake’ decision in honor of the martyrs of Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
During the toss before the match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav skipped shaking hands with Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha.
PCB claims that Pycroft had asked Salman to do so.
Even after the match was over, the Indian players went to the dressing room without shaking hands with the Pakistani team.
Pak coach Mike Hesson said angrily,
“Obviously, we were ready to shake hands at the end of the match. We were disappointed that our opposing players did not do so. We went to shake hands and they had already gone to the changing room. It was a disappointing end to the match. In a match where we were already disappointed with our performance, we were at least ready to shake hands.”
Salman Ali Aga even boycotted the presentation ceremony. On the other hand, Suryakumar expressed his views.
He said, “This is a great opportunity to take a moment and stand with the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and their families. We express our solidarity. I want to dedicate this victory to all our armed forces who showed great bravery.”
He further said, “I think there are some things in life that are beyond sportsmanship. I had also said in the presentation that we stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. And we stand with their families, expressing our solidarity. Also, as I said in the post-match presentation, we dedicate this victory to our brave armed forces who participated in Operation Sindoor.”
Now the PCB has lodged a formal complaint with the ICC. 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 the immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.”
The PCB says that all this is against the spirit of cricket. This matter has reached ICC Chief Jay Shah, and Pakistan’s next match is against UAE on Wednesday, where Pycroft is again the referee.
Naqvi later wrote, “Nothing is more important to me than the honour and prestige of my country.”
India is ready for Super 4 after winning two matches, but Pakistan needs to win against UAE. If a rematch happens, there could be a big bang in Dubai on Sunday.
