The Asia Cup 2025 witnessed a major controversy following the India versus Pakistan match on September 14. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a formal protest against match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging unfair conduct. The primary source of contention was India’s refusal to engage in the customary handshakes at the toss and after the match. Pakistan claims that Pycroft instructed their captain, Salman Ali Agha, not to participate in the handshakes, a decision the PCB considers a violation of cricket’s spirit and established ICC protocols.
In response to the situation, the PCB lodged an official complaint with the ICC, demanding Pycroft’s removal from the tournament. The ICC’s rejection of this demand prompted Pakistan to escalate the situation, threatening to boycott their forthcoming Group B match against the UAE unless the match referee was replaced.
The UAE prepared for the match. However, Pakistan reportedly stayed at their hotel, delaying travel to the stadium, with team luggage remaining on the bus. As of the most recent reports, the match, scheduled for September 17, was in doubt due to Pakistan’s actions. The stakes are high: Pakistan’s qualification prospects are tied to this match, and a withdrawal would eliminate them from the tournament. The situation raises critical questions about the role of match referees, the rules governing “respectful conduct,” and the authority of teams to request replacements for match officials.