Dubai: The controversy over the no-handshake incident during the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash is gradually settling, with new details emerging about what transpired moments before the toss.
According to an ESPNCricinfo report, match referee Andy Pycroft was informed about the ‘no handshake’ protocol between Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha just four minutes before the toss. The message was relayed to Pycroft by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) venue manager, who had received official instructions from the BCCI, cleared by the Indian government.
With barely any time left before walking out for the toss, Pycroft decided to inform Salman directly to avoid any on-field embarrassment. Due to the last-minute notice, Pycroft could not inform the ICC beforehand — a move that later became the basis of Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) complaint.
The PCB demanded Pycroft’s removal from officiating Pakistan’s matches and even threatened to withdraw from their game against the UAE if their request was not accepted. However, the ICC rejected the request twice, and the match went ahead after a one-hour delay.
Following the incident, PCB claimed that Pycroft had “apologised” to Pakistan’s captain and manager. However, sources clarified that it was merely an expression of regret over the miscommunication, not an admission of protocol breach.
While PCB has called for an inquiry into the matter, the ICC maintains that Pycroft acted appropriately under the circumstances and committed no code-of-conduct violation.
