The recent Asia Cup tournament has found itself overshadowed by an unusual controversy surrounding post-match handshakes, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) embroiled in an escalating dispute with the ICC. Weighing in on the matter, seasoned international umpire Anil Chaudhary has dismissed the entire affair as “unnecessary drama,” accusing Pakistan of using it as a deliberate tactic to divert attention from their loss to India.
(Suryakumar Yadav, left, and Shivam Dube, right, leave the field after their win. AP Photo)
The root of the issue traces back to Sunday’s high-stakes match in Dubai, where India secured a dominant seven-wicket victory over Pakistan. Following their win, the Indian players reportedly chose not to engage in the traditional post-match handshakes. This perceived snub prompted a swift and strong reaction from Pakistan, leading them to boycott the presentation ceremony. Subsequently, the PCB lodged a formal complaint against ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging that his actions violated the spirit of cricket. However, the ICC ultimately refused to act on the complaint.
Chaudhary did not hold back in his assessment of the PCB’s approach. “I believe that after losing the match, this was an attempt to shift focus,” Chaudhary told ANI. “There is absolutely nothing written in any law book or ICC playing conditions that makes handshakes compulsory. This whole handshake custom started about 15-20 years ago; captains simply used to shake hands. So, I think all this fuss is unnecessarily created, and there’s no need for it.”
He further elaborated, suggesting that those who filed the complaint were likely aware that their protest would not lead to any significant repercussions. The PCB’s demonstrations escalated further, culminating in threats to withdraw from their crucial upcoming match against the UAE, demanding Pycroft’s immediate removal. This intense pressure led to a one-hour delay in the match start on Wednesday, as the Pakistan team initially refused to leave their hotel in Dubai.
Despite the escalating tensions, Chaudhary firmly defended Pycroft. “These are all irrelevant issues,” he stated. “He is an experienced and respected referee from the ICC’s elite panel. He is a very well-known figure from Zimbabwe, and his professional track record is impeccable.”
As Pakistan successfully advanced to the Super Four stage after defeating the UAE, the cricketing narrative continues to be entangled in these off-field theatrics. Chaudhary’s candid remarks reinforce the perception that the handshake controversy is driven more by political motivations than genuine concerns about sporting conduct.