Pakistan Threatens Asia Cup Exit Over Handshake Dispute, Demands Referee's Removal: Sources

Pakistan have threatened to boycott the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 if match referee Andy Pycroft is not removed from the tournament over the handshake row. The controversy erupted after Indian players refused to exchange handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts following their Asia Cup clash, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to hold Pycroft responsible for taking action against India.

The tensions flared on Sunday when India captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with his Pakistan counterpart, Salman Ali Agha, after India's seven-wicket win. Indian players also refrained from shaking hands with any Pakistani players, drawing sharp criticism. The PCB initially lodged a complaint with the match referee and has now demanded Pycroft's removal for allegedly ignoring their protest.

The PCB has appealed to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and sought the intervention of the International Cricket Council (ICC). PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi currently heads the ACC, while India's Jay Shah is at the helm of the ICC. However, the Asia Cup is managed by the ACC, not the ICC.

"The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup," Naqvi said on X.

The PCB had earlier claimed that Pycroft "asked [Pakistan] captain Salman Ali Agha, at the time of the toss, not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart."

Meanwhile, boycotting the tournament will lead to Pakistan's elimination from the continental event. Pakistan are ranked second in group A, with one win from two matches. They're set to face UAE in their last group fixture on Wednesday, September 17.

However, if they boycott their next fixture, they're likely to be knocked out of the tournament and UAE will advance to super 4. As a result, the second India vs Pakistan fixture, which is expected to be played on September 21, will turn into an India vs UAE clash.