Setback for Pakistan! ICC likely to dismiss PCB’s Handshake Row Complaint
In the days after India’s seven‑wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, what began as a handshake scandal has now escalated into internal turbulence and political drama. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a loud demand – remove Andy Pycroft as match referee but the International Cricket Council (ICC) appears unlikely to oblige.
🚨ICC REJECTS PCB’S DEMANDS. 🚨
– The ICC all set to reject PCB’s demand to replace Match Referee Andy Pycroft. It’s been understood that Pycroft had little role in the handshake fiasco. (Cricbuzz). pic.twitter.com/1rcvNwiXGn
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 15, 2025
What’s the ICC’s Position?
Despite PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi writing formally to the ICC, asserting Pycroft breached the code of conduct for allegedly telling India’s captain earlier to avoid handshakes, officials in the ICC are reportedly not satisfied that there’s enough to justify removing him. The consensus among ICC insiders is that Pycroft played a minimal role – if any – in the handshake refusal that followed the match. He may have passed on a message to avoid a public scene at the toss, but many believe that doesn’t equate to culpability in the post‑match actions.
Importantly, no official ICC statement has confirmed or denied the demand, but sources say one might be on its way. In the meantime, the ICC looks unlikely to set precedent by replacing a match official based purely on one member’s grievance, especially when nothing yet suggests serious misconduct or material misbehavior by the referee.
Is Shaking Hands Mandatory?
PCB’s grievance hinges partly on the idea that refusing a handshake is a serious breach of sportsmanship. However, ICC and MCC rules do not mandate a handshake before or after every match. These traditions, while widely respected, are ceremonial rather than compulsory. It’s likely the ICC’s response will emphasize that detail—that there was no formal requirement to observe such gestures, and thus, the demand to punish Pycroft may not stand on solid ground.
From Wahla’s Suspension to Match Boycott Threat
Amid the controversy, PCB has taken disciplinary action close to home. Usman Wahla, Director of International Cricket Operations, has been suspended for allegedly failing to respond proactively to the controversy. The board reportedly believes Wahla should have anticipated the fallout and acted quickly to defuse tension, perhaps even before the game began.
Furthermore, PCB has gone so far as threatening to not take the field for their next fixture, against the UAE on September 17, if the ICC does not accede to their demands. Such a boycott could carry heavy implications: a forfeit would hand points to UAE, potentially ending Pakistan’s Super‑Four chances.