New drama in handshake row as PCB lodges complaint with Jay Shah-led ICC, demands removal of…

The controversy over the missing handshakes in the high-voltage Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan has escalated into a full-blown row, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally lodging a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC).PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday that the board has demanded “an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup” over alleged violations of the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket.“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,” Naqvi posted on X.

The flashpoint came during the toss at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium when Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav avoided the customary handshake. According to PCB’s statement, match referee Andy Pycroft had specifically instructed Salman to refrain from shaking hands.“The match referee Andy Pycroft had asked captain Salman Ali Agha, at the time of the toss, not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart.

The Pakistan team management has lodged a protest, calling the behaviour against the spirit of sports,” the board said.The situation further worsened after the match when Suryakumar, who led India to a dominant seven-wicket win, shook hands only with batting partner Shivam Dube and walked straight off without acknowledging the Pakistani players.Pakistan coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment at the gesture.“Obviously, we were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We were disappointed that our opposition didn't do that. We sort of went over there to shake hands and they were already going to the changing room. That was a disappointing way for the match to end. In a match where we were already disappointed with the way we played, we were at least willing to go and shake hands,” Hesson said.In protest, Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony, which further fuelled the controversy.India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, however, stood firm on his stance, dedicating the victory to the Indian armed forces and victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.“Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the victims and families of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. I want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery,” Suryakumar said at the presentation.“I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsmanship. I said at the presentation as well that we stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

And we stand with their families too, expressing our solidarity. Also, as I said at the post-match presentation, we dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor.”He also confirmed that the decision to avoid handshakes was not his alone.“I think that was our proper reply. Our government and the BCCI were aligned, and together we took a call. We came here only to play cricket,” Suryakumar said.With PCB’s complaint now sitting at the ICC headquarters led by its chair Jay Shah, the matter has triggered fresh diplomatic and sporting tensions between the two rivals, overshadowing what was otherwise a one-sided encounter on the field.