Zimbabwean match referee Andy Pycroft has found himself at the centre of a storm after instructing players from India and Pakistan not to shake hands before their Asia Cup clash in Dubai.
The decision, made during Sunday’s pre-match coin toss, sparked outrage in Pakistan, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) calling the move “against sportsmanship” and filing a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi criticised the directive, accusing Pycroft of “dragging politics into the game.” He wrote on X that the lack of a handshake undermined the spirit of cricket, urging that future matches be played and celebrated with respect.
Following India’s win, Indian batsman Suryakumar Yadav and teammate Shivam Dube walked off without greeting their opponents, further escalating the row. Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha also boycotted his post-match interview in protest.
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment, saying his players were ready to show respect at the end of the game, but the Indian side had already left the field.
The incident comes against the backdrop of rising political tensions between India and Pakistan, with the Asia Cup relocated to the UAE because the two nations no longer play bilateral series on home soil.
The ICC has yet to comment on the PCB’s protest.
