India expose Pakistan’s blatant lie in Asia Cup, reject 'Andy Pycroft' claims in no-handshake row
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The Pakistan Cricket Board had claimed that Match referee Andy Pycroft was biased in informing Suryakumar Yadav of the changed protocol, which led to the handshake fiasco; however, the Indians have denied any such allegations in the 2025 Asia Cup.
India played against Pakistan in the Sunday encounter of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium. The match was marred by several incidents of misconduct, which led to the humiliation of the Pakistani players.
The Indian and Pakistani skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Agha were not seen exchanging glances or even shaking hands at the time of the toss. Later, after the game concluded, further instances of no handshake shocked everyone.
India dismissed the alleged claims on the Match referee, Andy Pycroft
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had lodged a formal complaint to the ICC claiming that the Match referee Andy Pycroft violated the ICC Code of Conduct and the Spirit of the game by allegedly asking both the captains to skip the ritualistic handshake at the toss.
However, recently, the sources within the Indian team have reported to the Indian Express that no such instructions were conveyed to the Indian skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, during the Asia Cup match.
They have clearly stated that the decision not to shake hands was already taken within the Indian camp after the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian players had made the call as a sign of solidarity with the victims and the military operations in Kashmir.
Mike Hesson was also displeased by India's conduct in the Asia Cup
The PCB chief, who is also the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council, had demanded Andy Pycroft's immediate removal from the rest of the tournament. The PCB has cited Article 2.1.1 of the ICC’s Code of Conduct for match officials and support staff, which covers conduct “contrary to the spirit of the game.” However, the ICC has denied their demands on the Match referee.
Even the Pakistan coach, Mike Hesson, had expressed disappointment at the lack of post-match interaction. “We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We went over there to shake hands, but they had already gone into the changing room,” Hesson remarked.
India qualified for the Super-4; Pakistan await the match against the UAE for a Super-4 spot
Despite the tensions and the outrage, the encounter had drawn a huge crowd of people to the Dubai Stadium as compared to the earlier matches in the tournament. The India vs Pakistan rivalry might be further witnessed in the Asia Cup 2025.
India, with 2 wins, have already qualified for the Super-4 stage, while on the other hand, Pakistan would have to secure a win in their final game against the UAE to seal their spot in the Super-4. If they qualify, India and Pakistan would once again head to play against each other in the Asia Cup.
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India National Cricket Team Pakistan National Cricket Team India vs Pakistan Andy Pycroft Suryakumar Yadav Salman Agha Asia Cup
