Pakistan warns ICC of Asia Cup 2025 pullout if PCB demands are not met; possible boycott soon

The tension between India and Pakistan has grown after their Asia Cup 2025 match at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. The problem started when players did not shake hands after the game. On Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took the matter further by asking for match referee Andy Pycroft to be removed from the tournament. PCB also warned the ICC that they could pull out of the Asia Cup if their request is not accepted.

PCB Accuses Referee of Bias

PCB claims that Pycroft exceeded his authority by telling captains Suryakumar Yadav (India) and Salman Agha (Pakistan) not to shake hands at the toss, appearing to favor one team. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also leads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), stated on social media, “The PCB has filed a complaint with the ICC regarding breaches of the Match Referee’s responsibilities, the ICC Code of Conduct, and the MCC Laws on the Spirit of Cricket. They demand his immediate removal from the Asia Cup.”

Threat of Boycott

According to Cricbuzz, PCB may boycott their next match against UAE on September 17 if Pycroft is not removed. CricketPakistan.com reported that PCB insists, “Pycroft must be removed from the Asia Cup or we will not play further matches.” Earlier, the same outlet mentioned that ACC is already reviewing India’s actions over the handshake controversy. Pycroft is now in the spotlight for not properly addressing PCB’s complaint. He has been accused of ignoring the Spirit of Cricket during the Group A match, violating ICC rules, and acting against MCC laws, which is being called a serious breach.

The Controversy Details

The issue started when Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistan after the match. Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, who led India to victory with seven wickets remaining, went straight to the dressing room. Pakistani players, led by Salman Agha, waited outside the Indian dressing room but received no response. This left Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson angry, and Salman skipped the post-match interview in protest. No official penalties have been announced yet, but India and Pakistan are expected to face each other again on Sunday in the Super Four stage.