The India-Pakistan contest in the 2025 Asia Cup, set to be held in Dubai, is generating considerable attention, extending beyond the cricketing action. The match referee, Andy Pycroft, who was at the center of the ‘no-handshake’ dispute in the group stage, will be overseeing the game. The controversy, which emerged after India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan, continues to be a topic of discussion, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) placing responsibility on Pycroft.
Ravichandran Ashwin discussed the issue on his YouTube show, ‘Ash Ki Baat.’ He stated, “Andy Pycroft actually saved everybody from seeing such a poor spectacle.” He added, “India informed the match referee in advance – this is our decision, and we will follow it. That’s it. After all this drama, you lost the match. So what are you complaining about? You didn’t lose because we didn’t shake hands. Please go and find out what you can actually improve.”
In anticipation of the Super Four match, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin criticized Pakistan for what he perceived as their unfair treatment of Pycroft. According to Ashwin, the PCB chose to blame Pycroft instead of addressing their team’s performance. “If no handshake was your problem with India, why were you looking for an answer to that problem in the UAE game? Why did you have to make Andy Pycroft the scapegoat? He has done nothing wrong,” he said.
He added, “He is not a schoolteacher. He’s not a principal. He can’t go and bring Surya and say, ‘Come shake hands’. That’s not his job. What exactly is Pycroft’s fault here?”
Ashwin clarified, “Whether it’s a corporate office, a government firm, or a cricket team – when there’s an organisational directive, you follow it. Our players were clear: they were here to represent India, and they followed protocol. The cricketers also communicated their stance – they said, ‘We don’t want to shake hands.’ That’s our side of the story. The matter should end there.”
Ashwin questioned the situation, saying, “You filed a complaint against India, and when the dust settles, you’re saying Pycroft apologised? If I were Andy Pycroft, you are apologising to me. What would I even be apologising for? ‘I’m sorry that Suryakumar Yadav didn’t shake your hand’? Really? That’s the apology you expect?”
The controversy originated when Indian players opted against shaking hands after their victory, an action the PCB deemed a violation of the spirit of cricket. The BCCI had informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) about the decision beforehand, and Pycroft had only conveyed the message to Pakistan’s captain prior to the coin toss. Despite this, the PCB postponed their match with the UAE and considered withdrawing from the tournament. As the rivals prepare to face off again, the spotlight will be on both the players and the umpire.