ICC Slams PCB Over ‘Baseless Complaints’ On No-Handshake Row, Issues Strong Rebuttal
ICC rebukes PCB over Asia Cup no-handshake row, dismissing complaints against referee Andy Pycroft as baseless. ICC issues six-point rebuttal, shifting responsibility to ACC.
ICC rejects PCB’s complaints against referee Andy Pycroft in Asia Cup no-handshake controversy, calling them baseless in a six-point rebuttal.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a stern response to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over its complaints against match referee Andy Pycroft following the no-handshake controversy during the Asia Cup 2025.
According to sources, Pakistan had demanded Pycroft’s removal, accusing him of mishandling the situation when India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha did not exchange handshakes or team sheets at the toss. However, the ICC dismissed the allegations in a six-point rebuttal, calling them “baseless.”
PCB’s Allegations
The PCB alleged that Pycroft had instructed Salman Ali Agha to avoid shaking hands with Suryakumar and told both captains not to exchange team sheets. After the match, Indian players also skipped handshakes as a mark of respect for victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
The incident prompted Pakistan’s refusal to leave its Dubai hotel for the must-win Group A clash. As a result, the game was delayed by an hour, starting at 9 PM IST instead of 8 PM.
ICC’s Six-Point Rebuttal
In its communication, the ICC clarified that:
- The PCB failed to provide any supporting documentation or player statements with its complaint.
- Pycroft acted on ACC Venue Manager’s directives, minutes before the toss.
- The referee’s actions were aimed at preserving the sanctity of the toss and avoiding potential embarrassment.
- The match referee is not responsible for enforcing team or tournament-specific handshake protocols.
- If PCB’s grievance is about the handshake decision itself, it must be directed to tournament organisers.
- There was “no case to answer” against Pycroft.
ICC Puts Responsibility Back On ACC
The ICC concluded that the real issue lay with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and tournament organisers, not the match referee. This effectively shifted accountability to ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Tournament Director Andy Russell.
Despite the controversy, the ICC stood firm that Pycroft had acted within his authority and rules.
