Handshake Dispute Shadows India–Pakistan Asia Cup Rematch
The upcoming Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan on Sunday is taking place against a backdrop of lingering tension stemming from an incident following their previous encounter. After India’s seven-wicket victory over Pakistan on September 14th, the Indian team opted not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, a move that sparked controversy and a formal protest.
The decision by the Indian team occurred amidst heightened geopolitical tensions. It followed a period of conflict initiated by India’s missile attacks on six locations within pakistan, responding to a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22nd, which killed 26 people. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a group advocating for Kashmiri independence, though India alleged Pakistani involvement – a claim Pakistan denied, requesting an self-reliant investigation.
Pakistan retaliated with attacks on military installations across its border with India and in Indian-administered Kashmir, targeting at least four facilities. A ceasefire,brokered internationally,brought the aerial exchange to an end after four days,but diplomatic ties remained severed,and the political climate impacted the cricket match.
Following the India-Pakistan game, Pakistani players waited for the customary post-match handshake, but the Indian team only shook hands amongst themselves before returning to their dressing room. Pakistan’s team manager, Naveed Akram Cheema, later lodged a protest with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging a violation of the spirit of cricket.
Pakistan initially demanded Pycroft’s removal from officiating their remaining matches in the tournament. Though, an agreement was reached with the ICC, and Pycroft continued to officiate, including Pakistan’s subsequent group game against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). That match was delayed by an hour while ICC officials and Pakistan’s team management met at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement claiming that Pycroft had apologized to the Pakistan team’s manager and captain,attributing the incident to “miscommunication.” The PCB also stated the ICC agreed to investigate a potential code of conduct violation related to Pycroft’s request to the Indian and Pakistani captains to forgo the pre-match handshake at the toss, alleging this contravened the laws of the game.
However, an ICC source speaking to Al Jazeera disputed the PCB’s account, stating that Pycroft did not offer an apology but instead clarified his position. The source also confirmed that the ICC investigated the matter and resolute no action against Pycroft was warranted.
andy Pycroft is scheduled to be the match referee for Sunday’s highly anticipated India-Pakistan fixture.
