The Asia Cup 2025 has delivered drama far beyond the cricket field. When India refused to shake hands with Pakistan after their group game, the PCB reacted with fury. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi accused India of breaching the “Spirit of Cricket”. But when nothing could be done against India directly, Pakistan shifted its anger elsewhere, at match referee Andy Pycroft.
Pycroft Becomes the Convenient Target
The PCB demanded Pycroft’s removal, claiming he mishandled the handshake situation. His supposed fault? Informing Pakistan captain Salman Agha before the toss that
Suryakumar Yadav would not be shaking hands. In truth, Pycroft saved Pakistan from potential embarrassment on live television. But the PCB still argued that he should have somehow prevented the post-match snub.
ICC Rejects Pakistan’s Complaint
The ICC, however, wasn’t swayed. Reports confirm that Pycroft will continue in his role, including overseeing Pakistan’s next game against the UAE on September 17. For the ICC, removing a referee over such flimsy grounds would have set a dangerous precedent. The “Spirit of Cricket” does not even mandate handshakes, it calls for respect and fairness, but not ceremonial gestures.
Pakistan’s Threat Against UAE Clash
Here’s where it gets interesting. Pakistan had reportedly threatened not to play their UAE fixture because Pycroft was appointed referee. But is this really about a handshake? Or is it about Pakistan’s form? Their Asia Cup campaign so far has been poor, with performances well below expectations. Against a motivated UAE side, there’s genuine risk of another humiliation. Was the referee row simply a convenient excuse, a potential exit strategy disguised as protest?
A Bigger Picture Emerging
Instead of focusing on fixing on-field issues, the PCB seems consumed by off-field theatrics. Targeting Pycroft after taking swipes at India and the BCCI suggests a strategy to deflect blame rather than confront reality. If Pakistan skips matches or threatens boycotts, it won’t be seen as protest, it will be read as avoidance.
At this stage, the handshake controversy looks like Act One of a larger play. With the ICC dismissing their claims and Pycroft staying on, Pakistan now faces a bigger question: will they step up against the UAE, or step away from the Asia Cup entirely?
