PCB’s Asia Cup Future Uncertain After Referee Handshake Controversy

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to make a final decision today (Wednesday) on whether the national team will continue to play in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. This comes after controversy surrounding the India match, where a handshake was skipped at the toss — reportedly under the direction of match referee Andy Pycroft.

The final group-stage match against the UAE is scheduled at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. However, tensions remain high between the PCB and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Sources reveal that the PCB has sent a second formal letter to the ICC after their initial demand for Pycroft’s removal was rejected. The PCB has taken a firm stance, refusing to play any matches where Pycroft is officiating. They have also criticized the ICC’s inquiry into the matter, calling it incomplete and superficial, and stated that no relevant individuals were contacted during the investigation.

In its letter, the PCB made it clear that the Pakistan team would only take the field once their concerns are fully addressed and the match referee is changed. If the PCB does not receive confirmation of the referee’s replacement by email, the team will not leave the hotel for the stadium.

Despite the ongoing standoff, team sources remain hopeful about playing today’s game. It is likely that former West Indies captain Richie Richardson will step in as the referee for the UAE match.

The situation unfolded during the September 14 match between India and Pakistan, where both captains skipped the customary pre-match handshake. Later, after India’s win, their players once again avoided the post-match handshake. As the Pakistani players waited in line for the tradition, the Indian team simply walked away and closed their dressing room doors.

Indian captain Suryakumar defended the action, claiming it was done in line with instructions from his country’s government and cricket board. This response sparked widespread criticism from fans, players, and officials alike.

In protest, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha also refused to attend the post-match presentation, breaking from the usual practice. The PCB then filed official complaints with the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), demanding Pycroft’s immediate removal.

Following PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s involvement — who also serves as the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) — expectations have grown that the ICC may finally take action. Sources close to the matter suggest that Pycroft is now likely to be removed from Pakistan’s remaining matches in the Asia Cup 2025.

On the other hand, some Indian media outlets report that the ICC has rejected PCB’s demands. With no confirmation yet, the cricket world waits anxiously for the outcome of this high-stakes situation.

Read more:  Asia Cup 2025: ICC rejects PCB’s demand to remove match referee Pycroft