Asia Cup Row: Pakistan Threatens Exit Over Handshake Spat, ICC Stands Firm

New Delhi, Sep 15: Pakistan’s cricket team has threatened to withdraw from the Asia Cup if veteran match referee Andy Pycroft is not removed following the controversy over India’s alleged handshake snub. However, with the ICC unlikely to concede, the threat is seen more as an expression of frustration than a real option.

The row erupted after India captain Suryakumar Yadav reportedly refused to shake hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Agha at the toss and again after India’s comprehensive victory on Sunday. A visibly upset Salman skipped the post-match presentation ceremony, while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged an official protest.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi wrote on X: “Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let’s hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace.”

The ICC, however, is expected to back Pycroft, leaving Pakistan with a choice—continue in the tournament or risk pulling out. Their progression to the Super 4s hinges on the result of their final group match against UAE.

Recent history offers little comfort. Pakistan failed to clear the group stage of the last T20 World Cup after losses to India and the USA. Since January 2023, they have a losing record against Bangladesh (1-2 in T20I series) and Afghanistan (3 wins, 4 losses), while defeats to India remain consistent.

India have already secured their place in the Super 4s, with Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh vying for the other spots. Pakistan’s poor form and mounting off-field distractions raise doubts about their ability to compete strongly if they do advance.

For many analysts, Pakistan’s threat of withdrawal appears less about officiating and more about deflecting from an impending on-field humiliation.