Handshake Row Sparks Major Fallout
Karachi – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended its Director of International Cricket, Usman Wahla, following the controversial Asia Cup 2025 handshake incident in the high-profile India-Pakistan clash. The suspension comes amid rising tensions after match referee Andy Pycroft allegedly ordered Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with India’s Suryakumar Yadav post-match.
Formal Complaint Filed Over Spirit of Cricket Breach
The PCB officially lodged a strong complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Monday, demanding Pycroft’s immediate removal for violating the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC Laws. The board also escalated the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), highlighting Pycroft’s actions as a direct affront to the Spirit of Cricket.
PCB Chairman confirmed via a post on X that the move was aimed at preserving cricket’s integrity and fairness in international contests.
Context: Rising Indo-Pak Political Strain
The controversy unfolded after India successfully chased Pakistan’s modest target of 128 runs, with Suryakumar Yadav finishing in style. Instead of the customary handshake, tensions were on display as Yadav and Shivam Dube walked away, reflecting the deepening strain in Indo-Pak relations. This follows the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which left 26 tourists dead, further adding fuel to the controversy.
