The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been embroiled in a controversy following the Asia Cup 2025 match between Pakistan and India, centering around an alleged handshake snub and the role of match referee Andy Pycroft. The PCB initially demanded the removal of Pycroft from officiating further matches in the tournament and threatened to pull out of the Asia Cup. However, the situation has seen several developments, including an apology from Pycroft and the International Cricket Council's (ICC) willingness to conduct an inquiry.

The controversy arose after the Indian team players, following their victory, allegedly refused to shake hands with the Pakistani players. India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, stated that this decision was an expression of solidarity with the victims of a recent terror attack in Pahalgam and in support of the Indian Armed Forces. The PCB, however, deemed the gesture "unsporting". The PCB further alleged that Pycroft had instructed Pakistan's captain, Salman Ali Agha, not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart, Suryakumar Yadav, before the match and prevented the traditional exchange of team sheets.

In response, the PCB lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, accusing Pycroft of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Laws pertaining to the spirit of cricket. The PCB demanded Pycroft's immediate removal from the Asia Cup.

Amidst the escalating situation, reports emerged that Pycroft had apologized to the Pakistan team's manager and captain. According to the PCB, Pycroft attributed the incident to a "miscommunication". However, sources indicate that the apology was specifically for the miscommunication and not for the decision to prevent the handshake itself. The ICC has expressed its willingness to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

Despite the apology, the PCB persisted in its demand for Pycroft's removal and sent another letter to the ICC, requesting that Richie Richardson replace him for Pakistan's remaining matches. The ICC initially declined this request. However, later reports suggest that the ICC has agreed to remove Pycroft from Pakistan's remaining matches.

Adding another layer to the controversy, the PCB reportedly suspended its Director of International Cricket, Usman Wahla, for failing to lodge a formal complaint against Pycroft promptly. The PCB was unhappy with Wahla's delay in responding to the match referee's conduct and India's actions.

The incident also led to uncertainty regarding Pakistan's participation in the Asia Cup, with reports suggesting the team was instructed to return to their rooms and that their match against the UAE would be boycotted. However, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi publicly confirmed that the team would participate in the game. The match between Pakistan and UAE was delayed.

Amidst the controversy, the ICC conducted an internal inquiry that cleared Pycroft of any wrongdoing. The ICC's investigation found that Pycroft had acted diplomatically by advising both captains to avoid a handshake at the toss to prevent potential embarrassment.