Former Team India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their behaviour during the Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The legendary batter questioned their complaint over the lack of handshakes and added that it’s mandatory to shake hands in cricket.
The controversy began when Suryakumar Yadav’s Indian team declined to shake hands with Pakistan after their group-stage match. Following this, the Pakistan Cricket Board sent several emails to the ICC requesting the removal of Andy Pycroft. They accused Pycroft of mishandling the situation on the field.
Nothing in Rule Books That Says Handshakes are Mandatory – Sunil Gavaskar
Writing in his column for Sportstar, Sunil Gavaskar questioned the PCB’s objection to India not shaking hands with Pakistan. He noted that players can follow their own customs and added that the ICC made the right decision to dismiss the complaint.
“The PCB complaining about it was hard to understand, as there is nothing in the rule books that says handshakes are mandatory. There are many previous instances in different sports where opponents who have clashed have not shaken hands after their match has ended. The ICC quite rightly ignored the protest, if indeed there was one made as per media reports,” wrote Gavaskar.
India and Pakistan faced each other during the group-stage match for the first time following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Fans and former cricketers had urged the BCCI to boycott the match.
Suryakumar Yadav didn’t shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha at the toss. India players also skipped the handshake after the match.
It Will Be Interesting to See If Any Action… – Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar stated that the Pakistani team skipped the mandatory pre-match media session, adding that any support staff member could have attended. He added that it remains to be seen whether any action will be taken for bypassing this required protocol.
“What needs to be looked at is the avoiding of the mandatory media meet on the eve of the match by the Pakistani contingent. They did not have to send the captain, players or the coach. Anyone among the large support staff could have met the media. That did not happen, and it will be interesting to see if any action is taken for avoiding what is mandatory,” Gavaskar added.
The ICC did not accept any of PCB’s requests. Notably, the board had threatened to withdraw from the Asia Cup. However, the match between Pakistan and the UAE was postponed by an hour, and the PCB decided to continue in the tournament despite Andy Pycroft not being removed.
They Held the Game to Ransom – Sunil Gavaskar
The cricketer-turned-commentator slammed the PCB for delaying the match against the UAE, calling it unacceptable to hold the game “to ransom.” He added that they had two days after losing to India, but still postponed the start by an hour.
“The other thing that left a sour taste in the mouth is holding up the game and starting it one hour late. If the PCB had any issues to discuss with and about the match referee Andy Pycroft, then it had two full days after their loss to India and before the game against the UAE in which to do so. By keeping everybody in suspense and not even turning up at the ground until almost the toss time, they held the game to ransom,” wrote Gavaskar.