Handshake controversy resolved as PCB confirms Asia Cup match against UAE after referee’s apology
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Wednesday confirmed that the national team’s Asia Cup clash against the United Arab Emirates will proceed after ICC match referee Andy Pycroft apologised for the handshake controversy that marred the Pakistan-India encounter.
Addressing a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, PCB Chairman Mohsin Raza Naqvi—flanked by former chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja—said the Board had lodged a strong protest with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the incident.
The PCB revealed that Andy Pycroft had apologised directly to Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha and the team manager, admitting that his instructions regarding the pre-match handshake were a result of “miscommunication.”
The ICC has also assured Pakistan that an inquiry will be conducted into the code of conduct violation that occurred during the September 14 clash.
During Sunday’s high-voltage Pakistan-India fixture, Pycroft reportedly instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart Suryakumar Yadav, sparking outrage in Pakistan’s cricketing circles. Following India’s victory, their players also refused the customary post-match handshake.
ائی سی سی کے میچ ریفری اینڈی پائی کرافٹ نے پاکستانی کرکٹ ٹیم کے مینجر اور ٹیم کے کپتان سے معذرت کر لی۔
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) September 17, 2025
اینڈی پائی کرافٹ نے انڈیا پاکستان کے میچ میں دونوں ٹیموں کے کپتانوں کو مصافحہ کرنے سے منع کیا تھا۔
پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ نے اینڈی پائی کرافٹ کے اس عمل پر سخت رد عمل کا اظہار… pic.twitter.com/vyvUBsoSL6
Naqvi said Pycroft has since admitted it was a “miscommunication” and personally apologised to Pakistan’s captain and team manager. The ICC, he added, has agreed to hold an inquiry into the code of conduct violation.
“Politics and cricket cannot go hand in hand. We have requested the ICC to let cricket remain cricket,” Naqvi asserted. He thanked former PCB heads Sethi and Raja for joining the consultation process, describing the potential boycott decision as “too big to be taken emotionally.”
Najam Sethi told reporters that the PCB has “always tried to keep cricket away from politics,” while Ramiz Raja criticised the ICC’s appointment of Pycroft. “Andy Pycroft has been India’s favourite referee—he has officiated in India’s matches more than ninety times. That should not be the case,” Raja remarked.
لاہور۔ چئیرمین پی سی بی محسن نقوی سے سابق چئیرمینز پی سی بی رمیز راجہ اور نجم سیٹھی کی ملاقات
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) September 17, 2025
ایشیا کپ کے حوالے سے مشاورت جاری pic.twitter.com/2fmqNxDdnU
The uncertainty had earlier forced PCB to delay the start of the Pakistan-UAE match by one hour, with reports emerging that the Green Shirts might refuse to play. Team staff were even seen loading equipment back onto the bus, awaiting final instructions. However, Naqvi later directed the squad to proceed to the Dubai International Stadium.
The Asian Cricket Council confirmed the match would begin at 8:30pm PKT. Fans at the stadium, initially restless amid confusion, were eventually relieved as Pakistan players arrived for warm-ups.
The controversy has revived memories of past disputes over ICC match officials, notably when India and South Africa attempted to remove referee Mike Denness in 2001—a move the ICC refused to endorse.
While the PCB welcomed the apology, it emphasized that such incidents should never be repeated. “We have a great selection system, and we will not allow cricketing integrity to be compromised,” Naqvi said.
With tensions temporarily eased, Pakistan’s focus now shifts back to the field as they aim to secure a spot in the Asia Cup semi-finals.