PCB’s Reaction to Handshake Incident Criticized as ICC Backs Match Referee

Pakistan suffered a significant 7-wicket defeat against India. The Pakistani team’s performance in the match was criticized. However, Pakistani media focused on the absence of handshakes by the Indian players rather than the team’s performance. Subsequently, PCB and Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi publicly commented on the issue. Furthermore, they lodged a complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging that he had instructed both teams not to shake hands. Reports indicate that Pycroft was not involved. The Indian team also refuted the accusations against the match referee. Consequently, the ICC cleared Pycroft and rejected the PCB’s demand. The Pakistani team’s next match is against the UAE on September 17, with Andy Pycroft serving as the match referee.