Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has allegedly banned the match referee Andy Pycroft for its role in the ‘No Handshek’ controversy during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan.
The match has been killed by the controversial incident among staunch rivals. The Indian team maintained a ‘no handshek’ stance in the entire match due to the Pahalgam terror attack.
India led by Suryakumar Yadav refused to join hands
Captain Suryakumar Yadav decided against shaking the hands of his Pakistan counterpart Salman Ali Aga in the toss and did the same after the match.
cricketballgame.com
As soon as Suryakumar won six winners, he and his partner Shivam Dubey went back to the dressing room without customary handshake with opposition players.
While the players of Pakistan were waiting on the field for the customary tradition, along with the Indian players, the assistant employees did not come out. After snub from the Indian team, Pakistan captain Salman Aga responded not to appear for the post -match presentation.
Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav set to end the handshake boycott in the next Pakistan struggle? Report leaves the bombing
Andy Pycroft banned Pakistan
In view of the incident, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) match referee has barely down on Andy Pikeroft.
PCB President Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the head of the Asian Cricket Council, demanded immediate removal of the ICC officer from the remaining part of the Asia Cup.
Earlier, PCB also alleged that Andy Picroft had “requested the captain not to put his hand on the toss”.
“The PCB has filed a complaint with the ICC about the ICC’s code of conduct match referee and violation of MCC laws related to the spirit of cricket,” Naqvi said in a tweet. “PCB has demanded immediate removal of the match referee from the Asia Cup.”
ICC set Jolt for Pakistan
Whereas only time will tell how things come out, Pakistan’s internal ministry has banned the referee Andy Pikeroft from entering the country. Incidentally, the Ministry of Naqvi is leading.
Picroft match officials for the upcoming series between Pakistan and South Africa in October. However, it is not very likely at this time that he will be able to travel to Pakistan for the series.
