India-Pakistan Cricket Row: PCB Demands Referee Ouster After Handshake Snub Fuels Asia Cup Tension

NEW DELHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has escalated tensions with India by demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft following a controversial handshake refusal by Indian players after their Asia Cup clash on Sunday. The incident occurred after India’s seven-wicket victory, when the team declined to shake hands with Pakistani players in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.The PCB has taken the matter to both the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), alleging that Pycroft violated ICC conduct codes and the spirit of cricket.Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav defended his team’s actions, referencing the Pahalgam attack in which 26 people were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. The Indian side had already faced criticism for playing against Pakistan.According to the PCB, Pycroft allegedly instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart during the toss.“The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup,” PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi posted on X.The situation is further complicated by cricket governance structures: Mohsin Naqvi currently heads the ACC, while India’s Jay Shah leads the ICC. However, the Asia Cup operates under ACC jurisdiction rather than ICC control.By tradition, the two on-field players of the team batting second shake hands with the fielding side and the umpires before walking off. Similarly, the batting team enters the ground to shake hands with opponents, a practice now common in all international matches. Handshakes provide a formal way for teams to end the match on a friendly note and exchange words of encouragement.Before the toss, both captains also shake hands, which is conducted by the match referee on the pitch, often broadcast live. Captains and the referee may also discuss team lineups or other matters of mutual interest. Additionally, the match referee can meet with a captain, head coach, or team manager prior to the match.