PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi speaks for the 1st time after Boycott Humiliation; spews venom against India

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that ICC match referee Andy Pycroft had apologised over the handshake controversy during the Asia Cup clash against India. Naqvi said that the country’s “honour has been preserved,” adding that the focus now is on the team’s performance on the field.

On Wednesday, ahead of the match against the UAE, the Pakistan Cricket Board released a muted video showing captain Salman Ali Agha, head coach Mike Hesson, and a PCB official in discussion with match referee Andy Pycroft. The PCB stated that Pycroft offered an apology to the relevant members of the team.

Pakistan Had Threatened to Withdraw from the Asia Cup 2025

Pakistan had threatened to withdraw from the Asia Cup 2025 if the ICC did not remove Andy Pycroft as match referee. They demanded this following the no-handshake controversy that erupted during Pakistan’s match against India. However, the PCB played the match against the UAE.

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Notably, the match between Pakistan and the UAE was delayed by an hour. Mohsin Naqvi even held last-minute consultations with former board chiefs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi on the possibility of boycotting the game. That move could have ended Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament.

The ICC did not remove Pycroft as match referee. He retained his role and officiated the contest between Pakistan and the UAE, despite the board’s concerns.

Pakistan’s Honour Has Been Preserved - PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi

At a press briefing at Gaddafi Stadium, Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that Andy Pycroft had apologised over the handshake controversy. Mohsin Naqvi stated that the PCB has also requested the ICC to investigate the incidents from the match against India.

“A short while ago, the match referee apologised to the captain and team manager. We have also formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to investigate the violations that occurred in the September 14 match,” Naqvi said.

“I consulted with former chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja regarding the situation. Thank God, Pakistan’s honour has been preserved, and now we expect the team to perform at their best,” Mohsin Naqvi added.

ICC Has Now Agreed to Look Into This Incident - PCB Officials

PCB officials confirmed that the ICC is now willing to carry out a formal investigation into the handshake controversy. The board stated that match referee Andy Pycroft had apologised to Pakistan’s captain and team manager.

“The ICC’s match referee, Andy Pycroft, has apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistan team. He had earlier barred the handshakes, which sparked controversy. The ICC has now agreed to look into this incident,” the board stated.

Pakistan registered a 41-run victory over the UAE in Dubai on Wednesday. After being sent in to bat, Pakistan posted a total of 146 for 9, with Fakhar Zaman scoring 50 off 36 balls and Shaheen Shah Afridi adding an unbeaten 29 off 14 balls.

In response, the UAE struggled against Pakistan’s bowling attack. Spinner Abrar Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan with figures of 2 for 13, while Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf picked up 2 wickets each. The hosts were restricted to 105 all out in 17.4 overs.

Also read: ICC takes action after Pakistan send second letter over Andy Pycroft row, big verdict incoming