Pakistani players were stunned and humiliated.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a strong protest to the International Cricket Council demanding the removal of match referee, Andy Pycroft.
In its letter to the ICC and the MCC, the PCB warned it would consider withdrawing from the Asia Cup if he remained.
The board accused Pycroft of failing to uphold the game’s spirit during Pakistan’s clash with India in Dubai on Sunday.
Officials alleged that the referee violated the ICC Code of Conduct and disregarded MCC laws, calling it a serious breach.
The controversy erupted after Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistan’s team following their seven-wicket victory.
Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson described the refusal as “against the spirit of the game” and deeply disappointing behaviour.
Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema claimed the referee had told the captains no handshake was needed before the toss.
However, he clarified that no such instructions were given for after the match.
As a result, the Pakistani players were stunned and humiliated.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav later confirmed the snub was deliberate, saying it had been decided with the BCCI and the Indian government.
He dedicated India’s victory to “the victims of the Pahalgam attack” and their armed forces, escalating political overtones around cricket.
In response, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match ceremony in protest, backed by coach Hesson’s public defence.
He said India’s behaviour left Pakistan with no choice, calling the refusal to shake hands “inappropriate and disrespectful conduct.”
The PCB has now escalated its stance, making Pycroft’s removal a condition for continuing further participation in the tournament.
Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said:
“India has tried to give cricket a political colour, causing damage to the game spirit, which cannot be tolerated.”
At meetings in Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi instructed officials to raise the issue forcefully at every international forum, including the ICC.
He suspended Director of Operations Usman Wahla for failing to respond to the ICC quickly enough, initiating a formal inquiry.
According to sources, Wahla’s future role will depend on the findings of the report ordered by the chairman earlier this week.
Meanwhile, the Asian Cricket Council has taken notice of the incident and is reviewing possible disciplinary action against India.
Pakistan fans and commentators expressed outrage that sportsmanship was disregarded, insisting the customary handshake should never be politicised.
The controversy has turned a routine tournament into a major diplomatic row.
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