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India and Pakistan squared off for the first time in the Asia Cup 2025 since the May escalation, which had brought both neighbouring countries to the verge of a full-fledged war.
In light of this, the Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan was always expected to be filled with drama, and the tense environment surrounding the game proved this to be the case from the very start. Both captains avoided a handshake with the match referee, with reports alleging that ICC match referee Andy Pycroft instructed Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agh, not to shake hands with India’s skipper, Suryakumar Yadav.
On September 15, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against the match referee for his alleged violations of rules related to the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ during the India-Pakistan clash.
“The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket,” Naqvi wrote on X.
“The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the match referee from the Asia Cup,” he added.
Moreover, several Indian media outlets reported that the ICC has turned down PCB’s request to remove the match referee.
Pycroft’s Career and India Connection
Pycroft is a former Zimbabwe cricketer who made his international debut in 1982 against Australia in Nottingham. Overall, he played three Tests and 20 One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Interestingly, the 69-year-old made his Test debut ten years later against Indian in Harare. After opting to bat first, Zimbabwe posted 456 runs, thanks to a sublime 121 from captain Dave Houghton and a vital contribution from Pycroft, who made 39 off 135 balls in the first innings.
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In reply, India were bowled out for 307 despite Sanjay Manjrekar’s valiant 104-run knock.
Andy Pycroft also made a valuable contribution in the second innings, making 46 off 99 balls. Eventually, the match ended in a draw with Zimbabwe scoring 146-4.
Despite his brilliant start to his Test career, he retired due to the demands of his young family.
Post Retirement Career
Andy Pycroft’s early retirement and family responsibilities did not halt his cricketing journey as he moved into administration. First, he managed the U-19 team and then went on to become the head of selectors.
Moreover, he also held the role of Zimbabwe’s head coach from 2001 to 2003, a period of two years, before resigning during the 2003 World Cup, citing communication issues with his compatriot selectors.
ICC Match Referee
It was the year 2009 when Andy Pycroft was inducted into the Elite Panel of the ICC match referees. Up till now, he has held the role of match referee in various high-stakes encounters. Overall, he has supervised 103 Test Matches, 248 ODIs, and 183 T20Is.
Decisions History against Pakistan
Pakistan faced a spin bowling dilemma in 2014 when two of their ace spinners, Mohammad Hafeez and Saeed Ajmal, were reported for suspected bowling actions.
Saeed was reported in August 2014 in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, whereas Mohammad Hafeez was reported later in November during the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi.
Ironically, on both these occasions, Pycroft was the match referee who officially reported both spinners for suspected illegal action.
Meanwhile, Hafeez played solely as a batter and cleared his action, while Saeed Ajmal, who was at his prime at that time, was suspended from international cricket, and later on, his career was ended as he had lost his venom with the renewed action.
Spirit of Cricket and Rules
The ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws of Cricket expect players to show mutual respect, fair play, and maintain the spirit of the game.
Avoiding the customary handshakes, particularly if they come from match officials, is uncommon, and it is seen as a sportsmanship violation.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Statement
On the field, India comprehensively defeated Pakistan with Suryakumar Yadav hitting the winning runs.
But the drama continued after the game. In the post-match presentation, Surya dedicated the win to the Indian armed forces, mentioning the April terrorist attack in the Indian-occupied Kashmir’s Pahalagam.
“We stand by with the victims and the families of the Pahalgam terror attack and we express our solidarity. Also the most important thing for me we want to dedicate today’s win to all our armed forces, who showed a lot of bravery. And they hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile. Thank You,” he said.
Following this handshake row, Salman Ali Agha decided not to participate in the post-match presentation. This was later confirmed in Mike Hesson’s press conference.
“We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game, we obviously are disappointed that our opposition didn’t do that.
“We sort of went over there to shake hands and they’d already gone into the changing room. That was a disappointing way for the match to finish, and a match we were disappointed for the way we played but we were certainly willing to shake hands,” Hesson said.
The Ind vs Pak clash in the Asia Cup 2025 was one-sided on the field; however, it is now talked about for what happened off the field. The handshake row, PCB move to complain, and the tension between both countries have all contributed to it.
With the Super Fours of the continental tournament looming and another potent Ind vs Pak clash on the cards, we can’t blink an eye at what will be happening in the next couple of days. It will also be interesting to see how both teams will go ahead with the tense environment surrounding them and play the next match, although the Men in Blue are hot favourites to lift the Asian title once again.
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