PCB Suspends Director International Usman Wahla Over Asia Cup Handshake Controversy

Lahore, Pakistan – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended its Director International, Usman Wahla, for failing to take timely action against the Indian team and match referee Andy Pycroft during the recent Asia Cup controversy.

According to inside sources, Wahla came under disciplinary scrutiny for not responding promptly when Indian players allegedly refused to shake hands with the Pakistani team after their match. Referee Andy Pycroft is reported to have instructed players to avoid the traditional post-match handshake, a move that sparked outrage within the PCB and among fans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Reacts Strongly

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his deep dissatisfaction over the incident, emphasizing that Pakistan’s honor and dignity come before anything else.

“For me, there is nothing more important than my country. The honor and dignity of Pakistan cannot be compromised,” Naqvi said during a press statement.

Formal Complaints Lodged with ICC and MCC

Prior to Wahla’s suspension, the PCB had filed an official protest with both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The complaint accused Pycroft of violating both the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC’s Laws of Cricket, stating that his actions were a “serious breach of the spirit of the game.”

In the protest letter, PCB stated that Pycroft allegedly told Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha before the toss that there would be “no handshake”, and also instructed the media team not to record the interaction, further fueling concerns over transparency.

Possible Ramifications

The incident has intensified tensions between cricketing rivals Pakistan and India, with Pakistan earlier threatening to boycott future Asia Cup matches if appropriate disciplinary action is not taken. The PCB’s move to suspend a senior official reflects the seriousness with which it views the situation.

The Board has yet to announce Wahla’s replacement or whether further action will be taken against other officials involved.

Background

The controversy began during a high-stakes Asia Cup match when Indian players allegedly refused post-match handshakes, defying cricket’s long-standing traditions of sportsmanship. The directive, reportedly given by Pycroft, has been widely criticized for undermining the game’s integrity.

With mounting pressure on the ICC to investigate, this incident may have long-term implications for international cricket diplomacy and future bilateral series between the two nations.

Read more: PCB suspends official after handshake row at Asia Cup match.