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In the wake of the handshake row that ensued after India’s seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup match in Dubai on Sunday, Sportstar understands that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director of International Cricket, Usman Wahla, has been reportedly called back to the country amidst speculation of his sacking.
The move comes after reports in Pakistani media claimed that the top brass was not happy with Wahla’s handling of the events that followed the match, which included the Indian players refusing to shake hands with members of the Pakistan team.
The Pakistani players were left in the lurch, and after conducting the post-match handshake routine among themselves, waited fruitlessly for the Indian players to come out. In retaliation, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha didn’t turn up for the post-match duties, head coach Mike Hesson explained.
Explaining his team’s decision not to shake hands with the Pakistani players after the match, India captain Suryakumar Yadav said, “We came here just to play the game, and we gave them a proper reply.”
ALSO READ | PCB demands removal of match referee Pycroft from Asia Cup after India vs Pakistan handshake saga
On Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC), headed by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, against match referee Andy Pycroft.
“The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup,” PCB chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi posted on social media.
“Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let’s hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace,” he added.
Some reports claim that Pakistan has also threatened to pull out of the ongoing Asia Cup if Pycroft is not reprimanded by the ICC.
Interestingly, India and Pakistan could meet two more times in the Asia Cup in the next couple of weeks.
The group stage match between the archrivals was held amidst calls for boycotting the game from some sections of the Indian public. Tensions between the neighbours have been running high after a terror attack linked to Pakistan killed 26 people in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in April this year.
India retaliated with a military strike codenamed Operation Sindoor, which was aimed at destroying terror infrastructure in Pakistan. A military standoff ensued between the two countries in May, following which, the Asia Cup, originally scheduled to be held in India, was shifted to the UAE.
Owing to the strained relations between the neighbours, the Indian government had clarified that India would not engage Pakistan bilaterally in sporting events, but would continue to take part in international tournaments or multi-team events that included Pakistan.
Published on Sep 15, 2025
