Dubai, Sept 16: Pakistan has issued a strong ultimatum to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), threatening to withdraw from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 unless match referee Andy Pycroft is removed from the tournament. The controversy erupted after Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts following their Asia Cup clash, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to hold Pycroft responsible for not addressing their concerns.The tensions flared on Sunday when India captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with his Pakistan counterpart, Salman Ali Agha, after India’s seven-wicket win. Indian players also refrained from shaking hands with any Pakistani players, drawing sharp criticism. The PCB initially lodged a complaint with the match referee and has now demanded Pycroft’s removal for allegedly ignoring their protest.
The PCB has appealed to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and sought the intervention of the International Cricket Council (ICC). PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi currently heads the ACC, while India’s Jay Shah is at the helm of the ICC. However, the Asia Cup is managed by the ACC, not the ICC, which complicates the resolution.
“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,” Naqvi said on X.
The PCB had earlier claimed that Pycroft “asked [Pakistan] captain Salman Ali Agha, at the time of the toss, not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart.” This statement has added fuel to the ongoing dispute, with tensions escalating both on social media and among cricket fans.
Experts believe the incident could strain cricketing ties between India and Pakistan further, affecting future bilateral series. Some analysts also warn that if the PCB follows through on its threat, it could impact the tournament schedule and the reputation of the Asia Cup as a neutral competition.
As the situation develops, both cricket boards and the ACC are under pressure to act swiftly. Fans from both countries are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that preserves the spirit of cricket while maintaining fair play and sportsmanship on the field.