PCB vs Pycroft: No handshake row takes new turn ahead of PAK vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 match

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threatened to boycott the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 if the ICC failed to meet their demand of removing Andy Pycroft from the remainder of the tournament. As of now, ICC has reportedly no intention to remove Pycroft from his duties.

As per recent reports, he is all set to continue as the match referee in the Asia Cup, which means Pakistan's high demand to remove him may not be fulfilled. In that case, will PCB be able to show enough courage to pull the team out of the tournament? The question remains. PCB spokesperson Amir Mir informed that a final decision regarding that was to be taken. In protest, on Tuesday, PCB cancelled their scheduled press conference for their match against the hosts, the United Arab Emirates. But they did a training session at the ICC Academy ground, which overlapped with India’s net session. 

"The Pakistan Cricket Board has not yet made any final decision regarding the Asia Cup. Consultations are underway in this regard, and a final decision will be made by tomorrow. The decision will be taken keeping Pakistan's interest in mind," Amir Mir said.

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Will Pakistan cricket team stay away from UAE match?

The no-handshake controversy initiated during the India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match when the Men in Blue refused to shake hands with their arch rival. First, during the toss, and then after the game, India refused to shake hands. 

PCB alleged that the match referee took India's side in those actions. Hence, they demanded to remove Pycroft from the rest of the tournament. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also holds a ministerial position in the Pakistan government, flew to Islamabad to discuss the matter with other officials.