Dubai, Sep 15: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a formal protest against the Indian team and match referee Andy Pycroft following the handshake controversy during the Asia Cup 2025 clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
The high-voltage encounter, held amid tense bilateral relations after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, saw empty stands and calls for a boycott back in India.
The controversy began when Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav declined to shake hands with Pakistani captain Salman Agha at the toss. After guiding India to victory with a match-winning six, Surya again avoided post-match handshakes, heading directly to the dressing room after acknowledging teammate Shuvam Dubey.
At the presentation ceremony, Suryakumar dedicated the victory to the Armed Forces and victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that “a few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit.” He added that the decision to play Pakistan was taken jointly by the Government of India and the BCCI.
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment, saying his players were “ready to shake hands” but were ignored. Pakistani captain Agha skipped the presentation altogether, which Hesson attributed to the Indian players’ stance.
Later, Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema lodged a protest against India’s “inappropriate behaviour” and also against the match referee. Reports suggest referee Pycroft had advised both captains to avoid handshakes during the toss.
The incident has triggered heated debate on sportsmanship, nationalism, and cricketing diplomacy, with the Asia Cup handshake controversy now becoming a flashpoint in Indo-Pak cricket relations.