New Delhi: The no-handshake row between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 has snowballed into a huge controversy, with opinions flowing in from both sides. Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts after the Men in Blue’s convincing 7-wicket victory against Pakistan in the Group A clash at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Sunday.
Following the incident, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the tournament. PCB has alleged that Pycroft instructed Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands at the toss, and didn’t take any action against India on Pakistan’s complaint.
Pakistan have reportedly even threatened to pull out of the tournament if no action is taken against the match referee. Speaking on the matter, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi said he expected the Indian team to ditch the customary handshake with the Pakistani players owing to recent tensions between the two countries.
Calling the PCB’s decision to protest against the move right, Afridi alleged the Indian players were forced to snub the customary handshake as they had orders from above. He also criticised India for the lack of sporting spirit after their handshake snub gesture.
“When the Asia Cup began, social media was filled with the boycott campaigns ahead of the match between India and Pakistan. Considering there was pressure, it is no surprise that the players and the BCCI were told not to shake hands with our team,” said Afridi on Pakistan’s Samaa TV.
“In my opinion, there was no sportsman spirit. They would once again be shamed in front of the world. I think our stance was bang on. Our PCB chairman has taken the right stand. Overall, it’s outstanding. I have always said that players should be great ambassadors and not an embarrassment. I don’t want to fault the Indian cricketers; they were given orders from up above,” he added.
Afridi also questioned Indian skipper Suryakumar’s decision to shake hands with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan skipper Salman during the captains’ press conference ahead of the start of the tournament. Suryakumar had met both Naqvi and Salman during the presser and his pictures with the duo had gone viral on social media.
“The same Suryakumar Yadav shook hands with Salman Agha and Mohsin Naqvi at the captains’ press conference. Now in front of the crowd, the government was not able to handle the social media pressure. Indian players have now become an embarrassment in front of the world,” said Afridi.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav handshake with Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi who recently gave India a threat after Operation Sindoor.
In right side pic Suryakumar Yadav handshake with Pakistan Captain during Asia Cup press conference 💔 pic.twitter.com/JWuDGl5A2B
— Jeet (@JeetN25) September 9, 2025
Match referee Andy Pycroft removed from Pakistan matches
ICC has reportedly acted on Pakistan’s complaint and granted their wish by removing ICC match referee Andy Pycroft from their matches. Zimbabwean match official Pycroft will not officiate in any matches involving Pakistan in the remainder of the Asia Cup 2025. He has reportedly been replaced by Richie Richardson for Pakistan’s final group-stage clash against UAE on Wednesday.