The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a statement confirming the team’s decision to continue participating in the Asia Cup, following a conciliatory response from match referee Andy Pycroft and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
According to the PCB’s statement, Pycroft has issued a formal apology to Pakistan over the much-debated handshake controversy that erupted during their Asia Cup clash against India.
The statement adds that Pycroft admitted his directive, which prevented captains Salman Ali Agha and Suryakumar Yadav from exchanging the customary handshake on September 14, stemmed from “miscommunication.” He has since personally apologised to Pakistan’s team manager and captain.
The PCB had reacted strongly to the incident, describing it as a breach of the spirit of cricket and a violation of long-standing traditions. The absence of handshakes before and after the match drew widespread criticism, especially after Indian players walked away without acknowledging their Pakistani counterparts following their seven-wicket win.
In response, the ICC has conveyed its willingness to launch an inquiry into the code of conduct breach. This move follows Pakistan’s formal protest to both the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), demanding accountability.
“The ICC has expressed its willingness to conduct an inquiry into the code of conduct violation that occurred during the September 14 match,” the PCB statement read.
Foreign media reports suggest that Andy Pycroft will not officiate any of Pakistan’s remaining games should the team advance to the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup.
For Pakistan, the apology represents an acknowledgement of the seriousness of the issue. With the episode now behind them, the national team can focus on resuming their quest for a third Asia Cup title.