Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their reaction to the handshake controversy involving India and Pakistan during the Asia Cup 2025, specifically defending match referee Andy Pycroft. Ashwin, in his YouTube show 'Ash Ki Baat,' lambasted Pakistan for demanding Pycroft's removal and accused them of creating an unnecessary spectacle.

The controversy arose after the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, opted against the customary post-match handshake following their victory against Pakistan. This decision was reportedly influenced by recent geopolitical tensions and the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The PCB took offense, alleging that Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Agha not to shake hands with Suryakumar Yadav at the toss. They further claimed that Pycroft's actions violated the spirit of cricket and the ICC code of conduct. The PCB then formally requested the ICC to remove Pycroft as match referee.

Ashwin countered these claims, stating that Pycroft was simply conveying a decision made by the Indian team beforehand. He argued that India had informed the match referee of their decision, and there was no reason for Pakistan to complain. He said, "Andy Pycroft actually saved everybody from seeing such a poor spectacle,". Ashwin further questioned the logic behind Pakistan's actions, "If no handshake was your problem with India, why were you looking for an answer to that problem in the UAE game?". He implied that Pakistan was trying to find fault where none existed and should instead focus on improving their own game.

The ICC rejected the PCB's demand to remove Pycroft, stating that he had followed protocol and was merely passing on information from the Asian Cricket Council's Venue Manager. The ICC also clarified that Pycroft had, in fact, helped prevent an "embarrassment" by discreetly advising both captains to avoid handshakes at the toss. Furthermore, the ICC is reportedly considering action against the PCB for multiple violations of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol, including leaking a video of a closed-door meeting with Pycroft.

Adding fuel to the fire, former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousuf made derogatory remarks about Suryakumar Yadav on Pakistani television, sparking widespread outrage in India. Ashwin responded to this incident by calling for restraint and dignity and subtly criticizing Yousuf's remarks. He stated, "Never argue with people below your IQ level. Because they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience,".

The controversy has overshadowed the Asia Cup, with both India and Pakistan seemingly trying to avoid further escalation. Pakistan cancelled a pre-match press conference, and Suryakumar Yadav has avoided directly mentioning Pakistan in post-match interviews. Despite the off-field drama, both teams are preparing for their Super Four clash, with Suryakumar Yadav emphasizing that his team is focused on the cricket.