Asia Cup 2025 Handshake Row: Pakistan Threatens Withdrawal — Is It a Scapegoat Plan to Avoid Humiliation?

Sep 15, 2025

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The Asia Cup 2025 has been shaken by a “handshake row” between India and Pakistan that has now escalated into an official boycott threat. Pakistan has warned that unless its demands are met, it may pull out of the tournament entirely. At the center of this controversy is match referee Andy Pycroft, who allegedly instructed Pakistan’s captain not to shake hands with India’s skipper at the toss. This article explains the events, their implications, and why some observers believe Pakistan may be using this row as a tactical exit strategy.

What Happened: The Handshake Controversy

During the toss of the high-profile India–Pakistan match, the traditional handshake between captains did not take place. Reports suggest the match referee instructed Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, not to shake hands with India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav. Pakistan claims this instruction was one-sided and violated the spirit of the game.

After the match, several Indian players went straight to the dressing room without the customary post-match handshake, and Pakistan’s captain skipped the presentation ceremony in protest. The PCB has since lodged a formal complaint with the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) demanding the removal of Andy Pycroft from the panel.

Is Not Shaking Hands a Breach of Law?

It’s important to note that not performing a handshake is not a breach of ICC laws. Handshakes are a tradition and a symbol of respect, but they are not mandatory under the ICC Code of Conduct or MCC Laws.
There have been numerous past instances when players or teams have skipped handshakes for political, security or personal reasons. While controversial, such gestures have never resulted in penalties beyond a Code of Conduct warning or fine.

Why the Dispute Matters

Aspect	What’s at Stake
Spirit of Cricket	Handshakes symbolize respect and sportsmanship, but they are a custom rather than a rule.
Refereeing Authority & Neutrality	If a referee is perceived as biased or acting beyond his mandate, credibility and trust erode.
Tournament Integrity	Withdrawal of a major team undermines the competition format, fan interest, and commercial agreements.
Politics in Sport	Tensions between India and Pakistan often bring political overtones into cricket. Such incidents can exacerbate these tensions.

PCB’s Demands

Removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the panel.
A formal acknowledgment from the ICC and ACC regarding the alleged violations of the Code of Conduct and spirit of the game.
Assurance that referees will adhere to impartiality and procedural fairness in future matches.

How ICC & ACC Are Involved

The ICC Code of Conduct and MCC Laws guide player and referee behavior in international cricket. PCB alleges violations of both. The ACC has been asked to intervene, possibly to remove the referee from the panel and address PCB’s formal complaint.

Pakistan’s Boycott Threat: A Tactical Move?

Some analysts believe the boycott threat may be as much a tactical move as a protest. Pakistan’s team, currently struggling with form and injuries, has been convincingly beaten by India in previous encounters.

Critics argue that pulling out of the tournament might actually “save” Pakistan from further humiliation — both on the field and off it — by avoiding heavy defeats and intense media scrutiny. In this view, the handshake controversy serves as a convenient “scapegoat plan” to justify a withdrawal without explicitly admitting competitive weakness.

Supporters of Pakistan’s stance, however, maintain that the protest is about principle and fairness, not results.

Potential Scenarios & Consequences

Scenario	Possible Outcome
ICC removes Andy Pycroft	PCB plays remaining matches; controversy calms; trust restored partially.
ICC refuses or delays action	Pakistan possibly withdraws from UAE match and/or further matches; Asia Cup loses credibility; diplomatic tension escalates.
ACC/ICC mediates a compromise	Some apology or symbolic gesture; match referee may remain with oversight; demands partially met.
Full boycott or withdrawal by Pakistan	Disruption of Asia Cup schedule; financial losses for broadcasters and host; criticism for mixing politics and sport.

Broader Implications

Sports Diplomacy Tension: Another example where cricket between India and Pakistan reflects larger political undercurrents.
Referee Mandate & Fairness: Future tournaments may see clearer protocols on referee instructions and ceremonial matters like handshakes.
Fan and Media Reaction: Emotions are high on both sides; media will amplify this dispute, which may affect public perception of both teams.
Commercial and Broadcast Impact: Withdrawal of a marquee fixture damages revenue, viewership, and tournament appeal.

Conclusion

The “handshake row” at Asia Cup 2025 has spiraled into a full-blown dispute with serious consequences. At its core, this is not just about a handshake — it reflects larger themes of respect, fairness, and the intersection of sport with politics.

Not shaking hands is not illegal and has happened in past matches without sanctions, which makes the PCB’s protest look more like a political and strategic move than a legal case.

If Pakistan follows through on its withdrawal threat, it may save itself from potential embarrassment against India but at the cost of damaging its reputation and the tournament’s integrity. Whether this is a principled stand or a scapegoat plan, the coming days will reveal how much of the controversy is about sport and how much is about strategy.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational and analytical purposes only. The situation is fluid, and developments may occur that alter the details or dynamics described here. Readers should rely on official statements from cricket boards, ICC, and ACC for final and verified information.