The upcoming India-Pakistan match in the 2025 Asia Cup, to be played in Dubai, is generating significant interest, and the off-field drama is adding to the excitement. Match referee Andy Pycroft, who was involved in the ‘no-handshake’ incident during the group stages, will again be officiating. The controversy following India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan last Sunday has been a major talking point, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) assigning blame to Pycroft.
Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his views on his YouTube show, ‘Ash Ki Baat.’ He said, “Andy Pycroft actually saved everybody from seeing such a poor spectacle.” He further stated, “India informed the match referee in advance – this is our decision, and we will follow it. That’s 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 criticized Pakistan for their approach toward Pycroft. Ashwin believes that the PCB made him the scapegoat, rather than addressing their team’s performance. He asked, “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.” He continued, “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?”
Ashwin also stated that organizational directives must be followed, whether in a corporate setting, government, or cricket. The Indian players were clear about their intentions. He emphasized the players’ communication, stating “We don’t want to shake hands. That’s our side of the story. The matter should end there.”
Ashwin also questioned, “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 began when Indian players did not shake hands after their win, which the PCB deemed a breach of the spirit of cricket. It was later confirmed that the BCCI informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of the decision beforehand and that Pycroft had only relayed the message to the Pakistan captain prior to the toss. Despite this, the PCB delayed their match with the UAE and even threatened to withdraw from the tournament. As the arch-rivals gear up for another high-stakes match, the focus will be on both the players and the umpire.