Pakistan Cricket Board suspend director for ‘failing to report’ handshake row urgently

by · Inside Sport India

Pakistan Cricket Board have suspended their director international in the aftermath of the IND vs PAK handshake gate in Asia Cup 2025

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have suspended team director Usman Wahla following controversy during the IND vs PAK clash at the Asia Cup 2025. On Sunday, the Indian team refused to shake hands following their routine victory at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha were waiting for the players but the Suryakumar Yadav led side allegedly shut the doors in solidarity with the country’s armed forces.

Pakistan demand removal of match referee, suspend director after handshake gate

As per Cricket Pakistan, Pakistan Cricket Board have taken strong action following the events of the IND vs PAK game. Chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the ACC, has suspended Usman Wahla. The report stated that the decision was taken due to Wahla’s failure to manage the situation in Dubai which left Pakistan red faced.

The PCB also raised concerns regarding match referee Andy Pycroft’s conduct. They claimed that match referee Andy Pycroft had allegedly asked the two captains not to shake hands a the toss.

“The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup,” wrote PCB head Mohsin Naqvi.

Deviating from the usual convention of exchanging pleasantries after a game, Suryakumar Yadav and co. opted to head straight back to the dug out instead. Later at the post match ceremony, the Indian captain dedicated the victory to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

In retaliation, Salman Ali Agha skipped the post match presentation ceremony. akistan head coach Mike Hesson claimed that his team was willing to shake hands but the Indian team refused to do so. Hesson, former RCB’s director of cricket, cited his disappointment at India’s actions on Sunday.