New details have emerged concerning the controversy surrounding the non-handshake between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, revealing internal failures within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). A PCB official was reportedly dismissed due to this incident. The primary reason cited for the official’s removal is their alleged failure to adequately inform Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, about crucial aspects of the situation prior to the match. This lack of preparedness is believed to have exacerbated the ensuing controversy. Consequently, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi directed that Usman Wahla, the Director of Cricket Operations, be suspended.
The match, which was part of Group A, took place in Dubai on September 14. India defeated Pakistan in the match, winning by 7 wickets. The focus of the controversy has been the Indian team’s lack of handshakes with the Pakistani cricketers following the match.
Recent reports indicate that the Director of Cricket Operations, Usman Wahla, was the source of the no-handshake problem. He failed to brief Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, about the regulations in place for the tournament.
It has been stated that Usman Wahla should have given Salman Agha the necessary information on the handshake protocol before the match began. A PCB official commented, “Wahla should have issued a statement at the toss when the two captains didn’t shake hands.”
This series of events led to Mohsin Naqvi’s decision to suspend Usman Wahla. Pakistan is scheduled to play its final league match on September 17.
Pakistan is slated to play its final league match on September 17 against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There is a possibility that Richie Richardson may replace Andy Pycroft as the match referee, pending official confirmation. Pakistan requires a victory in their final league match to guarantee their place in the Super-4. India has already secured its position in the Super-4, having won their previous two matches with significant margins.