Pakistan Faces Setback as ICC Likely to Dismiss Handshake Row Complaint

The PCB’s complaint regarding the handshake incident following India’s victory in the Asia Cup 2025 is heading towards rejection by the ICC. The PCB is seeking the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, but the ICC seems unlikely to take action. Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, has formally requested the ICC to remove Pycroft, citing a breach of the code of conduct. Internal discussions within the ICC indicate a consensus that Pycroft’s role in the handshake incident was minimal, potentially limited to conveying a message. The ICC’s position is that there is not enough evidence to warrant removing Pycroft. The ICC is unlikely to remove a match official based on a single complaint, especially without clear evidence of misconduct. The ICC and MCC rules do not mandate handshakes before or after a match. The PCB has taken disciplinary action against Usman Wahla, Director of International Cricket Operations. The board has also threatened to boycott their upcoming match against the UAE on September 17 if the ICC does not comply with their demands.