Mute and Mocked: PCB’s ‘apology’ video of Andy Pycroft turns into social media circus

PCB’s ‘apology’ video of Andy Pycroft turns into social media circus

The "no-handshake" controversy is still going strong at the Asia Cup 2025. And amidst this a video of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management interacting with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft has gone viral on social media. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, head coach Mike Hesson, and a PCB official are seen interacting with Pycroft in the video, which reportedly has been released by the PCB.

The video is from the chaotic Wednesday evening in Dubai mostly surrounding Pakistan's further participation in the tournament. The drama started with the Men in Green's unwillingness to play the match against UAE, ultimately resulting in a delay by an hour from its scheduled start. Following this, PCB posted the video, implying that Pycroft was expressing regret to the team members who were upset.

But rather than being taken seriously, the video drew trolls and scathing remarks from fans. The majority of trolls and comments exposed the PCB's ignorance in the recommendation they attempted to make by uploading a "Muted" video.

PCB has shared this video of Pycroft’s apology. Without any audio to ICC, LOL #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/elnskFgpVS

— Nitin K Srivastav (@Nitin_sachin) September 17, 2025

The controversy erupted during the India-Pakistan encounter in Dubai last Sunday, which was also the first meeting between the two nations following the recent geopolitical turmoil after the horrific Pahalgam terror attack.

Despite appeals of a boycott from the majority of Indians, the Men In Blue took the field against Pakistan but ended up making a strong statement in its own distinctive way.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refrained from shaking hands or making eye contact with his Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha during the toss. Following their decisive victory in the match, the team continued to use the same tactic. None of the Indian players showed interest in going for the customary handshake whereas Pakistan cricketers waited to do so.

Also Read | Ramiz Raja attacks Andy Pycroft: ICC match referee called 'India's favourite' by former PCB chief

Viral videos also showed Team India shutting the door as Pakistan players waited on the field. Salman Ali Agha reportedly responded to this action by skipping the post-match presentation ceremony.

After this, things began to heat up even more. The management of Pakistan filed a formal complaint against Team India, claiming that the gesture was against the spirit of the game. They even threatened to withdraw from the competition if Andy Pycroft, the match referee for the India-Pakistan encounter, was not removed from Asia Cup 2025. ICC, however, declined their request, which further heightened tensions at the ongoing continental showdown.