Andy Pycroft Under Fire in Asia Cup No Handshake Row
Tensions overshadowed India’s seven-wicket win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 as the traditional handshake ceremony was skipped in Dubai. The absence of this courtesy led to disappointment in the Pakistan camp and triggered an official protest against match referee Andy Pycroft.
India Took Decision With BCCI and Government
India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav explained that the move came after discussions with both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government.
“Our government and BCCI – we were aligned today,” Suryakumar said at his post-match press conference, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.
“Rest, we took a call (about not shaking hands). We came here to just play the game. We have given a proper reply,” he added.
Suryakumar also dedicated the victory to those affected by the Pahalgam terror attack. “Few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit also. I’ve (said) it at the presentation as well, we stand with all the victims of Pahalgam terror attacks, stand with their families, and express our solidarity.”
PCB Reacts With Formal Protest
Pakistan claimed their players waited to greet India after the game but were left surprised. Head coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment, while skipper Salman Agha skipped his broadcast interaction.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later issued a statement confirming a “formal protest” lodged by team manager Naveed Akram Cheema against Pycroft.
“Manager Naveed Akram Cheema has registered a formal protest against the match referee’s behaviour,” the PCB statement said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.
“Match referee requested the captains not to shake hands during the toss,” it added.
This was the first clash between India and Pakistan since cross-border tensions escalated following the Pahalgam terror attack. With India only meeting Pakistan in multilateral events, the no-handshake incident ensured that political undertones dominated the Asia Cup 2025 contest.
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