Following Team India’s decision to skip the customary post-match handshake during their Asia Cup clash with Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC). In the complaint, the PCB has demanded the immediate removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, holding him responsible for failing to uphold both the ICC Code of Conduct and the Spirit of Cricket as defined by the MCC laws.

PCB Demands Action Against Match Referee

Pakistan has pointed fingers at match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of negligence and claiming that he did not enforce proper conduct when Indian players avoided shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts. The PCB believes this act goes beyond sportsmanship and that Pycroft’s failure to address it constitutes a breach of the game's spirit.

The board has argued that the match referee’s inaction reflects poorly on cricket’s governing body and sets a dangerous precedent. They have urged the ICC to take swift disciplinary action, emphasizing that the spirit of the game must be preserved regardless of national rivalries.

Former Cricketers React Strongly

Veteran Pakistani cricketers have not held back in criticizing the ICC over the incident. Rashid Latif took to social media, expressing his dismay at the silence from cricket's top body. Meanwhile, Basit Ali raised concerns over potential bias, citing the Indian origin of the ICC's top leadership. He suggested that this could be the reason behind Pakistan's perceived unfair treatment, not only in the Asia Cup but possibly in future ICC events as well.

ICC’s Response Awaited

With Pakistan formally raising the issue, the spotlight is now on the ICC to respond. The cricketing world awaits a decision that could set a precedent for how post-match conduct and the Spirit of Cricket are enforced in high-stakes international fixtures.

Background

The controversy erupted after India defeated Pakistan convincingly by seven wickets. Pakistan had set a target of 128 runs, which India chased down with relative ease. However, the post-match discussion shifted focus from the game to the absence of the traditional handshake, sparking debates on decorum and sportsmanship in cricket.