The Asia Cup 2025 has been as dramatic off the field as it has been on it, with the ‘No Handshake Controversy’ taking center stage. What started with India refusing to shake hands with Pakistan in Dubai has spiraled into a standoff involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the International Cricket Council (ICC), and match referee Andy Pycroft.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The situation reached a flashpoint on September 17, when Pakistan delayed their group match against the UAE by an hour after demanding Pycroft’s removal. The ICC has now accused the PCB of serious breaches of protocol, including a violation of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) code. According to sources, Pakistan’s manager carried a mobile phone into the PMOA — strictly prohibited under the Anti-Corruption Unit’s rules — and even recorded a private discussion with Pycroft, captain Salman Ali Agha, and coach Mike Hesson. The footage, later shared on PCB’s social media without audio, was presented as evidence that Pycroft had “apologised” to Pakistan over the earlier handshake snub.In response, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta sent a strongly worded email to PCB, pointing out the breach and warning of possible sanctions. The controversy has now escalated beyond sporting etiquette into matters of governance and compliance.
Timeline of the Handshake Controversy and its aftermath
September 14: India captain Suryakumar Yadav and his players refuse to shake hands with Pakistan after a seven-wicket win in Dubai. Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation in protest. Coach Mike Hesson accused India of unsporting behavior.September 15: Pakistan manager Naveed Cheema lodged a complaint with the ICC against match referee Andy Pycroft, claiming bias and demanding his removal.September 16: ICC rejected PCB’s demand. Pakistan threatened to boycott their next game against the UAE if Pycroft officiates. PCB cancelled their scheduled press conference but sent a second letter repeating the demand.September 17: Pakistan delayed its departure from the hotel, pushing back the UAE match by one hour.September 17: PCB released a muted video of a conversation with Pycroft, claiming it showed the referee apologising. Later, PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi, along with former chiefs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, addressed the media, further attacking Pycroft. Raja calls him “India’s fixer.”September 17: Pakistan defeated UAE to qualify for the Super Four, but the PMOA violation came to light.September 18: ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta emailed PCB, flagging the prohibited use of mobile phones and filming in the PMOA. PCB is yet to respond.
