PCB Demands Removal of Match Referee After India-Pakistan Asia Cup Clash
In a heated twist to the India-Pakistan rivalry at the Asia Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against match referee Andy Pycroft. PCB Chairman and Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi is pushing for Pycroft’s immediate removal, claiming he violated the ICC Code of Conduct and the spirit of cricket laws from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). ICC sources say no final decision has come yet, but the drama unfolded right after India’s dominant win in Dubai.
The controversy kicked off when Team India skipped the traditional post-match handshake with Pakistan. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walked off the field straight after Suryakumar smashed a massive six to seal the 128-run chase. This came amid heightened tensions, as India stands in solidarity with victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Suryakumar didn’t hold back in his post-match comments. "We stand by the families of the Pahalgam terror attack victims and express our solidarity," he said. He dedicated the victory to India’s armed forces, praising their bravery in Operation Sindoor against Pakistan-sponsored terror. When asked if skipping the handshake went against sportsmanship, Suryakumar replied, "Some things in life come before sportsman spirit. We’re with the victims and their families, and we dedicate this win to our brave forces who inspire us all."
On the Pakistan side, emotions ran high too. Skipper Agha Salman skipped the post-match presentation, sending head coach Mike Hesson to face the media instead. Hesson voiced his disappointment over the no-handshake moment. "We were ready to shake hands and went over to do it, but they had already headed to the changing room," he said. "It’s a disappointing way for the match to end. We were keen for that gesture." Hesson didn’t directly link Salman’s absence to the incident but hinted at the awkward vibe.
Naqvi took to X (formerly Twitter) to slam Pycroft, writing that the PCB had lodged the complaint for breaching ICC rules and MCC laws on cricket’s spirit. Reports from ARY News highlight Pakistan’s call for swift action, arguing Pycroft’s handling undermined the game’s values and protocols.
Now, let’s break down the thrilling Asia Cup match itself. Pakistan won the toss and batted first at Dubai International Cricket Stadium but stumbled early, slipping to 6/2. Sahibzada Farhan’s gritty 40 off 44 balls (with a four and three sixes) and Fakhar Zaman’s quick 17 off 15 (three fours) added some stability through a 39-run stand. But India struck back, reducing Pakistan to 97/8. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s late fireworks—33 not out off 16 balls with four sixes—pushed them to 127/9 in 20 overs.
India’s bowlers shone bright. Kuldeep Yadav led the charge with 3/18, while Axar Patel (2/18) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/28) grabbed two wickets each. Hardik Pandya chipped in with one.
Chasing 128, India lost two quick wickets in the powerplay but got a fiery start from Abhishek Sharma’s 31 off 13 balls (four boundaries and two sixes). Suryakumar Yadav (47 not out off 37, five fours and a six) and Tilak Varma (31 off 31, two fours) steadied the ship with a 56-run partnership. Suryakumar took charge, partnering with Shivam Dube (10 not out) to finish the job with seven wickets in hand and 25 balls to spare.
Kuldeep Yadav earned Player of the Match for his stellar spell. With this win, India tops Group A with two victories from two games, keeping their Asia Cup campaign on fire.
The handshake snub and referee row have sparked debates on cricket’s spirit amid India-Pakistan tensions. As the ICC reviews the PCB complaint, fans are glued to what’s next in this high-stakes tournament.
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