Pakistan fires senior PCB official over mishandling of India's no handshake policy at Asia Cup

Pakistan fires senior PCB official over mishandling of India's no handshake policy at Asia Cup (AP Photo)

The no-handshake row witnessed during the India vs Pakistan encounter at Asia Cup 2025 has led to some major developments, particularly in the Pakistan camp. Usman Wahla, the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) director of international cricket, has reportedly been suspended over the handling of the situation.

A report in A Sports claimed that the top PCB official was fired for failing to respond promptly to India's actions and match referee Andy Pycroft's behaviour. “The board was reportedly dissatisfied with the delay of several hours before a protest was lodged,” the report stated.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav snubbed the customary handshake with Pakistan counterpart Salman Ali Agha at toss and he did the same after powering India to a seven-wicket victory in Dubai. When the Pakistan team, led by coach Mike Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha, got close to the Indian dressing room, the door was closed and nobody came out.

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The entire episode left Hesson irritated, and he was observed speaking with match referee Andy Pycroft. The PCB acted quickly on Monday morning, first filing a complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) against the Indian squad for lacking "sportsman's spirit".

Later in the day, the PCB complained to the ICC about the match referee's poor handling of the situation. Now, the board wants Pycroft kicked out for the rest of the competition. The PCB has reportedly threatened to withdraw from the Asia Cup if the requests are not fulfilled.

The match between the two teams took place following Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack. Following the victory over Pakistan, Suryakumar said that his team is in solidarity with the victims of Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 innocent people. He also dedicated the victory to the Indian Armed Forces.

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Suryakumar was questioned about ignoring the handshake on multiple occasions during the news conference held after the game. He simply answered: “Some things are beyond a sportsman's spirit.”

India recorded a convincing seven-wicket victory as Suryakumar's squad pursued the target of 128 in 15.5 overs. Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav had earlier spun a web, taking six wickets between themselves, which restricted Pakistan to 127/9 in 20 overs. Kuldeep was declared the Player of the Match for his three-wicket haul.