The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially lodged a protest following what it described as inappropriate behavior from both the Indian team and match referee Andy Pycroft during the Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai.
Team manager Naveed Akram Cheema filed the complaint, highlighting that India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players at the end of the game was against the spirit of sportsmanship.
Dispute with the Match Referee
According to inside sources, Cheema approached match referee Andy Pycroft after the incident, telling him that the actions of the Indian team went against the spirit of cricket. In response, Pycroft allegedly stated that he had been instructed to request that both teams avoid handshakes.
This explanation raised further questions, as the gesture is considered a fundamental part of cricket’s traditions.
Salman Ali Agha’s Silent Protest
Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, also expressed his disapproval by skipping the post-match presentation ceremony. Reports suggest that his absence was not only a reaction to India’s behavior but also due to the fact that the event presenter was of Indian origin.
This silent protest added to the growing sense of frustration within the Pakistan camp.
Mike Hesson Defends Team’s Reaction
Pakistan’s head coach, Mike Hesson, backed the team’s response, calling it “a natural reaction” to what had happened. He emphasized that the refusal to shake hands by the Indian players was disappointing, particularly in a sport where respect and fair play are expected to be upheld.
Sportsmanship Ignored at Toss and End of Match
Interestingly, the controversy did not start at the end of the game. PCB sources revealed that even at the toss, match referee Andy Pycroft had asked both captains to avoid shaking hands. This directive, coupled with India’s refusal to engage in the post-match handshake, highlighted repeated breaks from cricketing etiquette.
Fans React to the Controversy
The incident sparked widespread debate among cricket fans. Many criticized India’s conduct as unsporting and unnecessary, while others dismissed it as a coincidence or a one-off occurrence fueled by political undertones.
For many, the handshake controversy reflected the intensifying rivalry between Pakistan and India, where off-field tensions often spill onto the cricket field.
The Bigger Issue
The Asia Cup 2025 encounter in Dubai ended with India defeating Pakistan by seven wickets. However, the victory was overshadowed by the post-match drama, drawing attention away from the cricket itself.
As the rivalry continues to heat up, the incident has raised serious questions about how the values of sportsmanship and respect can be preserved in one of cricket’s most high-pressure contests.
