Controversies Surrounding Pakistan's Cricket Team After Asia Cup Loss

The Pakistan Cricket Board has found itself embroiled in several controversies following their defeat to India in the Asia Cup. Former umpire Anil Chaudhary weighs in on the handshake dispute and the complaints against ICC match referee Andy Pycroft. He argues that these issues are attempts to shift focus from the loss. As tensions rise, the PCB's actions, including threats to withdraw from matches, have sparked further debate. This article delves into the unfolding drama and the implications for Pakistan cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 19, 2025, 02:56 IST

Controversial Reactions Following Asia Cup Defeat

In New Delhi, former international umpire Anil Chaudhary has commented on the recent controversies involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). These include threats to boycott the Asia Cup, disputes with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, and a handshake incident with Team India, which he believes are attempts to divert attention from Pakistan's defeat to India in the tournament.

Chaudhary pointed out that there is no official ICC rule requiring post-match handshakes, suggesting that the uproar was unnecessary and could have been avoided.

Speaking to a media outlet, he stated, "After losing the match, it seems they wanted to change the narrative. There is nothing in any law book or ICC regulations mandating handshakes. The tradition of handshakes began around 15-20 years ago, and it has been blown out of proportion. There was no need for this controversy."

The issue arose when India chose not to shake hands with the Pakistani players following their significant 7-wicket victory in Dubai during the Asia Cup. Pakistan reacted by withdrawing from the post-match presentation, linking India's actions to the ongoing tensions between the two countries, particularly after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists on April 22.

The situation escalated when the PCB filed a complaint against Pycroft, accusing him of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct and the spirit of cricket. However, the ICC dismissed Pakistan's complaint. In retaliation, the PCB threatened to withdraw from their crucial match against the UAE.

Chaudhary remarked that those who filed the complaints likely understood the futility of their actions, stating, "The individuals who complained must have known that this would lead nowhere. I’m not sure who their administrators are, but they should realize that nothing will come of this."

On Wednesday, further drama unfolded in Dubai as the Pakistan team refused to leave their hotel for a must-win match against the UAE, demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, a request the ICC denied. Although they eventually received clearance from management and made it to the stadium, the match was delayed by an hour.

Pakistan had canceled their pre-match press conference on Tuesday but still conducted a practice session before facing the UAE. Their actions were directly tied to their dissatisfaction with Pycroft, and they also skipped the post-match presentation after their earlier match against India.

Chaudhary praised Andy Pycroft, calling him a highly respected ICC elite panel referee with an impressive history as a former Zimbabwean player.

"All of this is unnecessary. He is an experienced referee from the ICC elite panel with an excellent reputation," he concluded.