Asia Cup: Pakistan suspend top official after handshake row, claims report
The PCB has demanded match referee Andy Pycroft's removal, blaming him for India's refusal to shake hands with Pakistan, committed to extend solidarity to the Indian Armed Forces.
New Delhi: Pakistan Cricket Board has suspended one of its top official after a handshake controversy erupted in Pakistan's Asia Cup match against India.
Pakistan crashed to a seven-wicket loss but it was marred by refusal of Indian players to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts after the game.
The PCB has demanded match referee Andy Pycroft's removal, blaming him for India's action, committed to extend solidarity to the Indian Armed Forces.
PCB's Director of International Cricket Operations Usman Wahla has also been sacked for failure to take timely action, reports A Sports.
"The board was reportedly dissatisfied with the delay of several hours before a protest was lodged,” the reported said.
It was done after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said of its demand to remove Pycroft on social media platform X.
"The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded the immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup."
Surya speaks
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Agha didn't shake hands at the toss after the match got over Indian players didn't arrive on the field for the customary handshake.
"I feel a few things in life are ahead of a sportsman's spirit also. And I have already answered it. I have told it at the presentation as well - that we actually stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. And we stand with their families also, express our solidarity," Yadav said later.
"Also, as I said, we dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor. And as they continue to inspire us all, we will try our best whenever given an opportunity to inspire them as well, if possible.
"I think our government and the BCCI were perfectly aligned. We came here and took a call. We came here just to play the game, and we gave a proper reply."