The India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025, set to unfold in Dubai, has generated pre-match buzz, with attention focused not just on the cricket but also on the off-field drama. Match referee Andy Pycroft, the center of the ‘no-handshake’ controversy during the group stages, will again be officiating. This situation follows India’s seven-wicket victory over Pakistan, a win that has been overshadowed by the subsequent controversy, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) placing blame on Pycroft.
Ashwin, during his YouTube show ‘Ash Ki Baat,’ stated, “Andy Pycroft actually saved everybody from seeing such a poor spectacle.” He further explained, “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? You didn’t lose because we didn’t shake hands. Please go and find out what you can actually improve.”
Before the Super Four match, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin strongly criticized Pakistan for their stance. He suggested that the PCB was making Pycroft a scapegoat instead of addressing the team’s on-field shortcomings. He questioned, “If no handshake was your problem with India, why were you looking for an answer to that problem in the UAE game? Why did you have to make Andy Pycroft the scapegoat? He has done nothing wrong.” He added, “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?”
Ashwin emphasized that when there is an organizational directive, whether it is in a corporate office, government firm, or cricket team, it must be followed. He reiterated that the Indian players had a clear stance and adhered to the protocol. He highlighted the players’ communication, stating, “We don’t want to shake hands. That’s our side of the story. The matter should end there.”
Ashwin sarcastically discussed the situation, adding, “You filed a complaint against India, and when the dust settles, you’re saying Pycroft apologised? If I were Andy Pycroft, you are apologising to me. What would I even be apologising for? ‘I’m sorry that Suryakumar Yadav didn’t shake your hand’? Really? That’s the apology you expect?”
The controversy arose after Indian players refrained from post-match handshakes, an action the PCB considered a breach of the spirit of cricket. It was later clarified that the BCCI had notified the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) before the decision, and Pycroft had only relayed the message to Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha before the toss. Despite this clarity, the PCB delayed their match with the UAE by an hour and even considered withdrawing from the tournament before changing their mind. As the rivals prepare for another high-stakes encounter, attention is directed not only at the players but also at the umpire.