Pakistan Cricket Board Suspends Usman Wahla Amid Asia Cup Controversy

The PCB has taken disciplinary action by suspending Usman Wahla, its Director of International Cricket, following Pakistan’s loss to India in the Asia Cup 2025. The suspension is a direct result of the controversy surrounding the post-match handshake. Indian players, including captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, reportedly bypassed the traditional handshake, and walked directly to their dressing room. Furthermore, it is alleged that the match referee, Andy Pycroft, instructed that no handshake take place at the coin toss. The PCB’s rationale for suspending Wahla is his perceived failure to promptly address the situation and raise it with the ICC. The board believes his delay in taking action undermined Pakistan’s standing. The PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has underscored the significance of national pride. The board has escalated the situation by lodging formal protests with the ICC and MCC, accusing match referee Andy Pycroft of misconduct. The PCB has also warned that it might boycott its next match against the UAE if its demands are not addressed, which could affect their chances to advance to the Super-Four stage.