IND vs PAK: Pakistan Faces 'International Humiliation' as ICC Rejects Demand to Remove Match Referee

After suffering defeat against India in the Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan has faced another setback off the field. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had filed a complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging that he instructed both teams not to shake hands during the India–Pakistan clash. The PCB demanded his removal, but the ICC has outrightly rejected the request and given Pycroft a clean chit.

How the controversy began
The incident dates back to the 14 September India–Pakistan match, where at the toss, Indian vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Aga. After India’s seven-wicket win, Indian players again avoided handshakes, which further escalated tensions. Adding fuel to the fire, Salman Aga skipped the post-match presentation.

PCB takes the matter forward
While India’s commanding win dominated headlines worldwide, Pakistani media largely highlighted the so-called “handshake snub.” PCB chief and Asian Cricket Council head Mohsin Naqvi even posted publicly on social media, criticizing the incident and filing an official complaint against the match referee. The allegation was that Pycroft had barred players from the customary handshake.

However, investigations revealed that Pycroft had no involvement in the matter. Team India also dismissed Pakistan’s claims, stating the accusations were baseless. Accepting this, the ICC decided not to act against Pycroft and confirmed he would continue his duties.

What’s next for Pakistan
With the ICC’s ruling, PCB’s complaint has backfired, turning into an “international embarrassment.” Pakistan will now face UAE on 17 September, a match that will again be officiated by Andy Pycroft as referee.