[WATCH] Anil Chaudhary slams PCB over Asia Cup handshake controversies

Anil Chaudhary, a previous international umpire, has shared his opinion regarding the various controversies of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the Asia Cup 2025 currently taking place, implying that they were meant to distract from Pakistan losing to India. Chaudhary spoke to ANI, where he said that the handshake controversy, the threat not to play in the game, and the complaint against ICC match referee Andy Pycroft were distractions that were not necessary. 

The disputes began after the game when India refused to shake the hands of the Pakistan players after India cruised to a seven-wicket win in Dubai. Pakistan then decided not to partake in the post-match presentation, eventually filing a complaint with the ICC claiming the spirit of cricket was violated. Chaudhary indicated that no ICC law states that post-match handshakes are mandatory, and that the whole controversy could have been "entirely avoided." 

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Former umpire calls PCB’s complaints avoidable drama

“I think after they lost the game, it was merely a part of trying to turn it around,” Chaudhary said.  "Because in any ICC law book, or playing conditions, there is nothing written that says handshakes at the end of the match, post-match handshakes, is compulsory. This is something that was unnecessarily created.” He also expanded by saying that handshakes have become customary; however, they only became a trend within the past 20 years, but they were never a requirement.

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The PCB took things a step further and demanded the match referee, Andy Pycroft's removal due to alleged favoritism, which the ICC declined to consider. Pakistan then threatened to withdraw from their must-win match against the UAE, and on match day, they pushed back their departure from the hotel in Dubai, causing a late start to the match.

Despite the complaints, Chaudhary spoke highly of Pycroft, referring to him as a well-respected member of cricket. "This is a young, generally well-respected, and apparently experienced and existing referee from the ICC elite panel. He is a very well-known former Zimbabwe player, and his record is so good. All this stuff is unnecessary," he remarked.

By canceling press conferences, withholding the team from the field before matches, and making decisions not to attend presentations, Pakistan has created more drama off the pitch than on it. Chaudhary believes these distractions achieve little, especially when other administrators know the issues don't merit a formal complaint.