Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has reportedly imposed a ban on match referee Andy Pycroft for his role in the ‘no handshake’ controversy during the match between India and Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
The match between the arch-rivals has been marred by the controversial incident. The Indian team maintained a ‘no handshake’ stance throughout the match owing to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Suryakumar Yadav-led India refuses to shake hands
Captain Suryakumar Yadav decided against shaking his Pakistan counterpart Salman Ali Agha’s hands at the toss and did the same after the match as well.
As soon as Suryakumar hit the winning six, he and his partner Shivam Dube walked back towards the dressing room without the customary handshake with the opposition players.
While the Pakistan players waited on the field for the customary tradition, the Indian players, as well as the support staff, did not come out. After the snub from the Indian team, Pakistan captain Salman Agha responded by not appearing for the post-match presentation.
Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav set to end handshake boycott in next Pakistan clash? Report drops bombshell
Andy Pycroft banned in Pakistan
In the wake of the incident, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has come down hard on match referee Andy Pycroft.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Asian Cricket Council chief, demanded the immediate removal of the ICC official from the remainder of the Asia Cup.
Earlier, the PCB had also alleged that Andy Pycroft had “requested the captains not to shake hands at the toss”.
“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,” Naqvi said in a tweet. “The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.”
ICC set to jolt Pakistan
While only time will tell how things unfold, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has banned referee Andy Pycroft from entering the country. Incidentally, Naqvi is leading the ministry.
Pycroft is set to be one of the match officials for the upcoming series between Pakistan and South Africa in October. However, it looks highly unlikely at the moment that he would be able to travel to Pakistan for the series.