The Pakistan Cricket Board had claimed that the match referee Andy Pikeroft was biased to inform Suryakumar Yadav of the changed protocol, causing Handshek Fiasco; However, Indians have denied any such allegations in the 2025 Asia Cup.
India played against Pakistan in a Sunday encounter of Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai International Stadium. The match was killed by many incidents of misconduct, insulting Pakistani players.
Indian and Pakistani captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Agha were not seen to exchange the glimpses or even shaking hands at the time of the toss. Later, after the conclusion of the game, the examples of any hand shake shocked everyone.
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India dismissed alleged claims on Match Referee, Andy Pycroft
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had filed a formal complaint to the ICC, claiming that the match referee Andy Picroft violated the ICC code of conduct and the spirit of the game, both the captains asked the two captains to leave the ritual handshake in the toss.
However, recently, sources within the Indian team have informed The Indian Express that the Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, was not given any such instructions during the Asia Cup match.
He has clearly stated that after the Pahgam terror attack, the decision not to shake hands inside the Indian camp was already taken. Indian players called as a sign of solidarity with victims and military operations in Kashmir.
Mike Hessen was also angry with India’s conduct in Asia Cup
The PCB chief, who is also the President of the Asian Cricket Council, demanded immediate removal of Andy Pycroft from the rest of the tournament. PCB quoted Article 2.1.1 of the ICC’s Code of Conduct for Match Officers and Assistant Employees, which covers “behavior opposite the spirit of the game”. However, the ICC has denied their demands on the match referee.
Even Pakistan’s coach, Mike Hessen, expressed disappointment over the lack of conversation after the match. “We were ready to join hands at the end of the game. We went there to join hands, but they had already moved to the changing room,” Hessen commented.
Eligible to India Super -4; Pakistan waited for a match against UAE for Super -4 spot
Despite stress and resentment, the encounter drawn a large crowd of people at Dubai Stadium compared to the earlier matches in the tournament. India vs Pakistan rivalry can be seen more in the Asia Cup 2025.
India has already qualified for the Super -4 stage, with 2 wins, while on the other hand, Pakistan will have to win their final game against the UAE to seal their place in Super -4. If they qualify, India and Pakistan will once again be prominent to play against each other in the Asia Cup.
Also Read: Ricky Ponting slapped Pakistan to spread fake quotes after joining hands with India
