The Asia Cup 2025 group-stage match between India and Pakistan in Dubai was expected to grab headlines — and it did, but not just for cricketing reasons. India comfortably defeated Pakistan in a one-sided contest, but what followed after the match sparked a storm that has completely overshadowed the tournament.
Instead of a customary post-match handshake, Indian players walked off without greeting their Pakistani counterparts — a move that Pakistan took great offense to. What’s now being dubbed as ‘Handshake Gate’ has turned into a full-blown controversy involving match officials, cricket boards, and even potential match boycotts.
PCB Protests Over Handshake Snub, Targets Match Referee
In the aftermath of the game, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha refused to attend the post-match presentation, escalating tensions even further. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) didn’t stop there. They went on to file an official complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of favoring India and failing to ensure the post-match handshake between the two rival teams.
The PCB’s outrage reached a boiling point ahead of Pakistan’s next game against UAE. They demanded Pycroft be removed from officiating the match and even threatened to boycott the game. This led to a behind-the-scenes standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC), which ultimately delayed the match by over an hour.
According to insiders, the Indian team had already informed the match referee in advance of their decision not to shake hands after the game, citing a directive from the BCCI. Despite this, Pakistan held Pycroft accountable — a move that baffled many, including Indian cricketing legends.
Ravichandran Ashwin Slams PCB: “What Are You Complaining About?”
Amid the off-field drama, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t mince words as he criticized the PCB for their reaction. Speaking to News18, Ashwin defended the Indian team and questioned the logic behind Pakistan’s protest.
“India informed the match referee in advance — this is our decision, and we will follow it. That’s it. After all this drama, you lost the match. So, what are you complaining about?” said Ashwin.
Ashwin also took issue with Pakistan’s decision to drag Andy Pycroft into the mess. He pointed out that it wasn’t the referee’s responsibility to enforce handshakes between players.
“He is not a schoolteacher. He’s not a principal. He can’t go and bring Surya and say, ‘Come shake hands’. That’s not his job. What exactly is Pycroft’s fault here?”
He further added that players are obligated to follow directives from their respective boards, much like any organization — whether corporate or sporting.
“Our players were clear: they were here to represent India, and they followed protocol. That’s our side of the story. The matter should end there.”
Ashwin even took a dig at the supposed apology offered by Pycroft after the incident, sarcastically suggesting that if he were in Pycroft’s place, Pakistan should be the one apologizing to him.
As the India vs Pakistan Super Four clash approaches — again in Dubai — the tension is palpable. With emotions running high, all eyes will be on how both teams conduct themselves in the upcoming match.
Whether or not the actual cricket takes center stage this time remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the 2025 edition of the Asia Cup is turning out to be one of the most controversial yet.
