The upcoming India-Pakistan match in the 2025 Asia Cup, scheduled for Dubai, is anticipated to be a spectacle, and the focus extends beyond the cricket itself. Match referee Andy Pycroft, involved in the contentious ‘no-handshake’ incident during the group stage, will again oversee the game. The controversy, stemming from India’s seven-wicket win against Pakistan, has dominated the build-up, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) pointing fingers at Pycroft.
Ravichandran Ashwin voiced his opinions on his YouTube show, ‘Ash Ki Baat.’ He said, “Andy Pycroft actually saved everybody from seeing such a poor spectacle.” He further added, “India informed the match referee in advance, this is our decision, and we will follow 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.”
Ahead of the Super Four match, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin rebuked Pakistan for their criticism of Pycroft. He believed the PCB made him the target instead of acknowledging their team’s failures on the field. He stated, “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.”
Ashwin also noted, “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?”
He continued by pointing out that organizational directives, whether in a corporate setting, government, or a cricket team, are to be followed. The Indian players had a clear stance and followed protocol. The cricketers also communicated their position by saying, “We don’t want to shake hands. That’s our side of the story. The matter should end there.”
Ashwin also stated, “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 from the Indian team’s refusal to shake hands after their victory, a move the PCB considered contrary to the spirit of cricket. It was later confirmed that the BCCI had informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) beforehand and that Pycroft had merely conveyed the message to Pakistan’s captain before the toss. Despite the clarification, the PCB postponed their match with the UAE by an hour and even threatened to pull out of the tournament. As the rivals prepare for another high-pressure match, the umpire will be under intense scrutiny.