PCB Escalates Protest Over Asia Cup 2025 No-Handshake Controversy
PCB Escalates Protest Over Asia Cup 2025 No-Handshake Controversy
The Asia Cup 2025 no-handshake controversy between India and Pakistan has taken a dramatic new turn after their heated clash at the Dubai International Stadium. What started as a skipped post-match ritual has now grown into a full-blown protest by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has directly targeted match referee Andy Pycroft.
Asia Cup 2025 No-Handshake Controversy Explained
On Sunday, after the high-voltage India vs Pakistan game, the PCB filed a protest against the Indian players for refusing to shake hands. But by Monday, the matter escalated further.
According to PCB, Andy Pycroft, the match referee, allegedly instructed both captains — India’s Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s Salam Agha — not to shake hands at the toss. The board claims this directive went beyond his authority and signaled bias in favor of one team.
Key Details of the Protest
- Controversy: Skipped handshake after Asia Cup 2025 India vs Pakistan match
- PCB’s Allegation: Referee Andy Pycroft interfered by instructing captains not to shake hands at toss
- Demand: Pycroft’s removal from referee panel for Asia Cup 2025
- Warning: Pakistan threatens to withdraw from Asia Cup 2025 if demands are ignored
- ICC’s Role: Global cricket body now faces pressure to intervene quickly
Also Read:Pakistan Players Rise in ICC Rankings After Tri-Nation Victory
Why the Asia Cup 2025 No-Handshake Controversy Matters
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is already one of the most intense in sports. This latest no-handshake row risks escalating tensions beyond the field, as the PCB’s protest now challenges the ICC’s authority.
If unresolved, the controversy could:
- Disrupt the Asia Cup 2025 tournament schedule
- Further strain India-Pakistan cricket relations
- Create backlash among fans and sponsors worldwide
- Force the ICC to address referee neutrality on the big stage
Also Read:ICC creates history with all-female match officials at Women’s World Cup 2025
FAQs Asia Cup 2025 No-Handshake Controversy
1. What is the Asia Cup 2025 no-handshake controversy?
It refers to the incident where India and Pakistan players skipped the handshake after their Asia Cup 2025 clash, triggering a PCB protest.
2. Who did PCB file the protest against?
Initially against the Indian team, but later escalated to include match referee Andy Pycroft.
3. Why is Andy Pycroft involved?
PCB alleges Pycroft overstepped his role by telling captains not to shake hands at the toss.
4. What action is PCB demanding?
The removal of Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup 2025 referee panel.
5. Could Pakistan withdraw from Asia Cup 2025?
Yes, PCB has warned the ICC that if their demands are ignored, they may pull out of the tournament.
6. Who were the captains during the controversy?
Suryakumar Yadav for India and Salam Agha for Pakistan.
7. Where did the controversy happen?
At the Dubai International Stadium during the Asia Cup 2025 group stage match.
