“The highest level of offence….”- What PCB’s letter to ICC reveals on Asia Cup handshake row

The Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan in Dubai ended in controversy after the Indian team refused to shake hands with their rivals following the match. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a strong protest, even demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft.

India secured a convincing seven-wicket win, but the post-match gesture quickly became the center of attention. The decision not to engage in the customary handshake was viewed as a political and emotional statement rather than just a cricketing act.

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav clarified that the team’s action was a mark of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 innocent tourists lost their lives.

See Also: IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025: ICC set to take this decision on 'No Handshake' controversy

PCB Lodges an official Complaint Against Match Referee to ICC:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken the matter further by officially raising it with both the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). The board expressed strong disapproval over India’s refusal to shake hands, calling it unacceptable behavior.

According to a report by ‘TimesofIndia.com’, Pakistan has even warned of pulling out of the Asia Cup if match referee Andy Pycroft is not removed. However, such a move appears improbable, as ACC is headed by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, while ICC’s leadership remains under India’s Jay Shah. The same report also highlighted that ICC is expected to turn down Pakistan’s demands regarding the issue.

PCB’s Letter to ICC Outlines Protest Over Handshake Row:

As per local media outlet Dawn, the PCB letter to the ICC stated, “It is alarming to note that an ICC-appointed and supposedly neutral match referee opted to indulge in conduct, which clearly violates the Spirit of Cricket and MCC Laws.”

It further stated, “The match referee failed to discharge his responsibility: to ensure that respect was extended and maintained amongst the captains as well as between the two competing sides; and to create a positive atmosphere by his conduct and encourage the captains and participating teams to do likewise.”

It added, “In fact, the Match Referee’s instructions to the two team captains were entirely directed towards achieving the opposite result. This misconduct violates Article 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Match Officials, which specifically makes it an offence for the Match Referee to conduct himself in a manner, which is contrary to the spirit of game and violates the MCC Laws.”

It concluded, “Given the gravity, political nature/background, and far-reaching consequences and repercussions, the misconduct has also caused disrepute to the game. We believe the highest level of offence has been committed.”

Mohsin Naqvi Confirms Pakistan’s Official Complaint to ICC:

On Monday, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the board would officially file a complaint with the ICC. He emphasized that the matter was serious and required immediate attention, assuring that the PCB would formally present its concerns to the governing body for further action.

He wrote on his ‘X’ handle, “The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.”

According to the PCB, match referee Andy Pycroft allegedly directed Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha to avoid shaking hands with India’s captain at the toss. The board argues this action contradicted cricketing traditions and set an inappropriate example during such a high-profile Asia Cup contest.

During the post-match press conference, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav explained the team’s position. He said, “Together, we came here, we took a call and I feel we came here just to play the game. I think we gave the proper reply.”

Responding to queries about political angles, he clarified that the decision was not politically driven but taken to honour the victims of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack. He further said, “I feel few things in life are ahead of sportsman's spirit also. We stand with victims of Pahalgam terror attack and dedicate this victory to our Armed Forces.”