Handshake Controversy at Asia Cup: Match Referee Apologizes, Examination Pending
Dubai – A dispute over a pre-match handshake at the recent Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan has led to an apology from match referee Andy Pycroft and a pending investigation by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Wednesday that Pycroft apologized to the Pakistani team’s captain and manager for prohibiting the customary handshake between players before the match in Dubai.
The incident stemmed from concerns following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. india’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, explained that the team opted to forgo the handshake as a show of solidarity with the victims. However,Pycroft intervened to prevent the gesture,prompting a strong reaction from the PCB.
Initially, Pakistan delayed their departure for a subsequent match against the UAE to protest the ICC’s initial refusal to address the situation. The PCB released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) detailing Pycroft’s apology, stating he attributed the decision to a “miscommunication.”
While the ICC has defended Pycroft, maintaining he acted in accordance with established protocols, they have agreed to investigate the PCB’s complaint regarding a potential breach of the Code of Conduct. However, an ICC source indicated that the investigation will only proceed if the PCB provides further evidence outlining Pycroft’s alleged wrongdoing.
The PCB claims the ICC has expressed readiness to investigate, but the world body clarifies the apology offered by Pycroft was specifically for the communication breakdown, not an admission of error in judgment. The situation remains fluid as both boards await further clarification and potential evidence.
[IMAGE: The Pakistan Board also claimed that the ICC would be investigating its complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft. Photograph: ICC/X]
