ICC Gave a Clean Chit to Match Referee Andy Pycroft Amidst ‘Handshake’ Controversy

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Drama continues to unfold at the Asia Cup 2025. After days of controversy, exchange of words, threat to boycott the tournament, and complaint to ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) received a formal apology from the match referee Andy Pycroft. While apologising for on-field ‘miscommunication’ to Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and the team manager, Pycroft remained silent over the handshake row, raising questions over the actual reason.

Andy Pycroft Drama: From Clean Chit to Apology

Match referee Andy Pycroft received a clean chit from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the governing body rejected PCB's plea to remove him from the remainder of the Asia Cup matches. The PCB accused Pycroft of allowing a handshake snub during the high-voltage clash against India. However, ICC cited six Code of Conduct rules to stay firm by Pycroft’s side. 

While PCB requested an investigation into Pycroft’s actions, the top officials of ICC confirmed that no formal inquiry was necessary. A muted video featuring Andy Pycroft, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, head coach Mike Hesson, and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi went viral over social media. 

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PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), claimed Pycroft apologised for 'miscommunication'. It remains unclear what miscommunication happened during Sunday’s Asia Cup fixture.

"This crisis has been ongoing since the match against India. We had objections regarding Pycroft's conduct. The matter was only resolved after Pycroft apologised for the miscommunication at the toss," Naqvi said in a press conference.

Pak vs UAE: Delayed Toss, Batting Collapse & Comeback

Pakistan threatened to boycott the tournament over the handshake row. There were at least six emails, multiple heated phone calls, and endless behind-the-scenes discussions before Pakistan’s match against the UAE, where the men in green came one hour late. 

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Just before the match, PCB made a U-turn on its decision to boycott the Asia Cup. Eventually, Andy Pycroft conducted the match after the rumour of removing him from the referee’s job.

After losing the toss, Pakistan was put into bat and scored 146 runs in 20 overs, supported by handy knocks from Fakhar Zaman (50 off 36 deliveries) and Shaheen Afridi (unbeaten 29 off 14 balls). Pakistan won the match by 41 runs to qualify for the next round.

The Situation Escalated by Social Media

The ‘handshake’ or ‘handshake snub’ has been mentioned millions of times over social media since last week. It all started with Indian captain Surya Kumar Yadav avoiding customary greetings with Pakistani skipper Salman Ali Agha after the captains’ press meet before the first match. Team India skipped the customary handshake with Pakistani players after Sunday’s match, escalating the situation further.

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India is set to face Pakistan again for the Super Four match on Sunday at Dubai International Stadium. What drama awaits this match? Only time will tell.