Post-Match Handshake Snub Sparks PCB Action Against Director, Calls for ICC Intervention

Lahore(The Uttam Hindu): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has witnessed a major upheaval following India’s emphatic seven-wicket victory in the Asia Cup 2025 and the post-match controversy where Indian players reportedly refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts.

In a surprising move, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has suspended Usman Wahla, Director of International Cricket, with immediate effect. Wahla had held the position for the past two years and also serves as the Chairman of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He was accused of failing to handle the “no-handshake” controversy, which was seen as a serious lapse in maintaining sportsmanship and diplomatic conduct.

An internal PCB review noted that Wahla should have anticipated the sensitive nature of the issue and resolved it before the match, ensuring the Pakistani team was not humiliated on the field.

The PCB has also leveled serious allegations against match referee Andy Pycroft, claiming he informed both captains at the toss that no handshakes would occur post-match, which violates the ICC Code of Conduct. In protest, Pakistani captain Salman Aga did not participate in the post-match presentation, while coach Mike Hesson expressed strong disapproval of the Indian team’s behavior.

PCB has appealed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to remove Pycroft from the remainder of the Asia Cup 2025. Meanwhile, as head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Mohsin Naqvi has urged the ICC to take immediate action, further intensifying the controversy.