Handshake Row: Pakistan’s Threat, India’s Stand, and the Referee in the Crossfire
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Dubai
- Sep 15, 2025
- 544
The 2025 Asia Cup in the UAE has been jolted by an unusual controversy — not about umpiring errors or player disputes, but over something as symbolic as a handshake.
The Flashpoint
On Sunday in Dubai, after India’s emphatic seven-wicket victory over Pakistan, Indian players walked off without the customary handshake. The spark was lit even earlier: at the toss, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha.
India later clarified that this was not a spontaneous act. Suryakumar, speaking after the match, said:
“Some things are above sportsmanship. This decision was taken with the consent of BCCI and the Government of India. We stand with the victims of the Pahalgam attack. This victory is dedicated to our Armed Forces.”
The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 Indian civilians were killed, has left an emotional scar. In its aftermath, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking deep inside Pakistani territory. Against this backdrop, handshakes with Pakistani cricketers carried political overtones.
Pakistan’s Fury
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reacted sharply:
PCB alleged that match referee Andy Pycroft told both captains not to shake hands, a directive they claim was made under Indian pressure.
Chairman Mohsin Naqvi demanded Pycroft’s immediate removal, saying: “He did not follow the ICC Code of Conduct and the spirit of cricket.”
PCB also suspended its Director of International Cricket Operations Usman Wahala for “delay in complaint” — he failed to raise the issue at the toss itself.
There are even whispers from PCB insiders that Pakistan might withdraw from the Asia Cup if Pycroft is not removed.
Voices from the Cricketing World
Rashid Latif (former Pakistan captain): “If it is only about Pahalgam, then India should fight a war. Don’t drag these things into cricket.”
Shoaib Akhtar (ex-fast bowler): Praised India’s cricket but said politics should stay away: “It was just a match.”
Shahid Afridi: “Let cricket remain cricket. Do not mix politics.”
The debate is split in Pakistan — some see India’s stance as unsporting, others blame Pycroft for mishandling the situation.
The Man in the Middle – Andy Pycroft
The storm now centers around Andy John Pycroft, the 69-year-old Zimbabwean match referee.
A former international cricketer (3 Tests, 20 ODIs for Zimbabwe).
Played in the 1983 and 1987 World Cups.
Has over 9,000 first-class runs.
Became part of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees in 2009.
One of the most senior referees, having officiated in hundreds of matches across formats.
Pycroft has faced controversies before — notably involving player-code breaches and disciplinary hearings. But rarely has he been accused of political bias as sharply as now.
The Larger Picture
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and BCCI have so far maintained silence. Cricket insiders say neither body wants to escalate tensions but Pakistan’s withdrawal threat has forced urgent back-channel discussions.
Meanwhile, India is unlikely to relent, given the strong political sentiment after Pahalgam.
What is certain is this: the Asia Cup has shifted from cricketing excellence to a geopolitical stage — and in the eye of the storm stands a Zimbabwean referee caught between two bitter rivals.