PCB Says Andy Pycroft Apologised Over Handshake Controversy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that match referee Andy Pycroft apologised to Pakistan captain Salman Agha, and team manager following the handshake row before their Asia Cup 2025 clash against the UAE. Reports suggest that during the India vs Pakistan match on Sunday (September 14), Pycroft allegedly instructed Pakistan skipper Salman Agha not to shake hands with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav.
The situation escalated after India’s victory, as Indian players reportedly did not shake hands with the Pakistan team. In protest, Pakistan skipper Salman Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony. The PCB subsequently filed a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against both India and Pycroft, requesting his suspension.
Andy Pycroft: Pakistan even threatened to boycott their next match against the UAE. However, the ICC investigation found no wrongdoing and rejected PCB’s demands, giving Pycroft a clean chit. Displeased with the outcome, Pakistan was late to arrive at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for their match against the UAE. The game eventually started after a one-hour delay.
Andy Pycroft Apologises to Pakistan Captain and Team Manager: PCB
Pakistan captain Salman Agha. (Image Source: ACC)The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that ICC match, referee Andy Pycroft apologised to Pakistan captain Salman Agha and the team manager ahead of the PAK vs UAE clash. PCB also stated that the ICC is willing to conduct an inquiry into the matter.
“The ICC’s match referee, Andy Pycroft, has apologized to the manager and captain of the Pakistan cricket team. Pycroft had previously barred the captains of India and Pakistan from shaking hands during their match,” the statement read.
The PCB added, “The Pakistan Cricket Board strongly reacted to Pycroft’s actions. He has described the September 14 incident as a result of miscommunication and has issued an apology. The ICC has expressed its readiness to investigate the code of conduct violation that occurred during that match.”
However, according to PTI reports, the ICC will initiate an official investigation only if PCB provides additional evidence regarding Pycroft’s actions.
“A formal apology has been issued for the miscommunication. The ICC will proceed with its investigation only when PCB submits further evidence about Pycroft’s fault,” a source told PTI.
On the field, UAE won the toss and chose to bowl first. Pakistan lost both openers cheaply, with Saim Ayub dismissed for a duck and Sahibzada Farhan scoring just five runs.
Fakhar Zaman (50) scored a half-century, while Shaheen Afridi contributed a vital 29 runs toward the end, helping Pakistan post a total of 146/9. The winner of the PAK vs UAE match will qualify for the Super Four stage from Group A, joining India, who have won both of their opening matches.