PCB Threatens Boycott of Asia Cup 2025, Issues Ultimatum to ICC

The handshake controversy following India’s Asia Cup 2025 clash with Pakistan in Dubai escalated sharply on Monday, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) targeting match referee Andy Pycroft.

A day after protesting against India’s players for refusing handshakes post-match, the PCB accused Pycroft of overstepping his authority by instructing captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Agha not to shake hands at the toss. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the board had filed a complaint with the ICC, demanding Pycroft’s “immediate removal” from the tournament.

According to reports in Cricbuzz and CricketPakistan.com, the PCB has warned it could boycott its next game against the UAE on September 17 if its demand is ignored. The board alleged Pycroft’s conduct violated the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC’s Spirit of Cricket laws, calling it a “serious breach.”

The controversy erupted after Indian players, including Yadav and Shivam Dube, walked off without handshakes despite Pakistan’s team lining up post-match. Infuriated, captain Salman Agha skipped the press conference in protest.

No official sanctions have been announced, but the dispute comes ahead of a possible India-Pakistan rematch in the Super Four stage on Sunday.