The Asia Cup 2025 has not only been about cricket on the field but also about controversies off it. A fresh row has emerged after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) claimed that match referee Andy Pycroft apologised to Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and coach Mike Hesson following the much-debated handshake incident during their clash with India. However, the matter remains unclear as the video released by PCB has no audio, leaving many questions unanswered.
The trouble began after the India vs Pakistan match on September 14. At the toss and after the match, Indian players reportedly did not shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. This unusual move caused anger and frustration within the Pakistan camp. Captain Salman Ali Agha refused to attend the post-match presentation ceremony in protest, while coach Mike Hesson addressed the media instead.
According to the PCB, the problem started when referee Andy Pycroft allegedly told Salman Agha before the match that no handshakes would be allowed. Pakistan officials said this instruction went against the spirit of cricket and violated the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) rules that guide how the game should be played.
The PCB reacted strongly and filed a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The board also demanded that Pycroft be removed from officiating any more Asia Cup matches. However, the ICC chose to keep Pycroft as the referee for Pakistan’s next match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This decision caused fresh tension and even raised doubts about whether Pakistan would take the field.
On September 17, just before the Pakistan vs UAE game in Dubai, things escalated further. The Pakistan team stayed at their hotel beyond their scheduled departure time of 4:30 pm. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi held emergency discussions with former PCB chiefs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi to decide on the next steps. After hours of uncertainty, the team finally left for the stadium, but the toss was delayed by a full hour, eventually taking place at 7 pm.
In the meantime, the PCB released a statement claiming that Andy Pycroft had apologised to Pakistan’s management and captain for what happened during the India-Pakistan game. According to the PCB, Pycroft admitted fault and tried to ease tensions with the team. The board also said that the ICC had shown readiness to investigate whether Pycroft’s actions broke the code of conduct.
To support its claim, the PCB shared a video of Pycroft speaking with Salman Agha and Mike Hesson. However, the video had no audio, so no one outside the meeting could confirm what was actually said. This lack of clarity has left fans, media, and officials unsure whether a real apology was made or if the PCB’s claims are accurate.
Despite the confusion, the Pakistan-UAE match finally went ahead. Pakistan’s participation in the game calmed fears that the controversy might lead to a boycott, but the issue is far from over.
This handshake saga has raised bigger questions about cricket’s values. Handshakes at the toss and at the end of matches are seen as symbols of sportsmanship and respect between players. If, as the PCB claims, a match referee stopped teams from carrying out this tradition, it would be a serious blow to the spirit of the game.
On the other hand, the ICC has not yet released any official statement confirming the details of what happened. Until the ICC provides clarity, the debate will continue. For now, all that exists is a video without sound, claims from the PCB, and silence from Pycroft and the ICC.
Cricket experts believe this issue could harm the image of the tournament. The Asia Cup is one of the most-watched cricket events in the region, and such controversies distract from the performances on the field. Instead of focusing on the players and their efforts, headlines are being dominated by off-field disputes.
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Pakistan’s management will likely push for a more detailed inquiry into the incident. If the ICC does investigate, the findings will be crucial in restoring trust between teams, referees, and officials. Meanwhile, fans on both sides of the border are reacting strongly on social media, with many demanding transparency.
For Pakistan, moving past this controversy is important if they want to concentrate fully on their campaign. The team cannot afford to let off-field issues impact their performance. Still, the PCB seems determined to hold the referee accountable and protect its players from what it views as unfair treatment.
In the bigger picture, the controversy shows how sensitive India-Pakistan matches are. Every action on and off the field is magnified, and even small incidents can grow into major disputes. The handshake issue is another reminder of how high the stakes are whenever these two cricketing giants face each other.
For now, Pakistan has managed to continue its Asia Cup journey, but the matter of Andy Pycroft’s role is not closed. Unless the ICC comes forward with a clear explanation, the handshake controversy will remain a shadow over the tournament.
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