Indian cricketing veteran Ravichandran Ashwin has fiercely defended match referee Andy Pycroft, lambasting Pakistan for manufacturing a “needless spectacle” surrounding the post-match handshake controversy during India’s group-stage victory in the Asia Cup 2025.
Speaking candidly on his YouTube show, “Ash Ki Baat,” Ashwin accused Pakistan of unfairly targeting Pycroft, even demanding his removal from the tournament. “Andy Pycroft actually saved everyone from witnessing such a poor spectacle,” Ashwin remarked. “India had already informed the match referee of our decision in advance, and we simply adhered to it. After all this drama, you still lost the match. So, what exactly are you complaining about? You didn’t lose because we didn’t shake hands. Please, focus on what you can genuinely improve.”
Despite Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) allegations regarding Pycroft’s conduct in the prior September 14 encounter, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has re-appointed him as the match referee for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s clash between India and Pakistan in Dubai. The ICC firmly rejected PCB’s demand for Pycroft’s removal, asserting that he did not violate the Code of Conduct by instructing Suryakumar Yadav and Agha Salman to avoid handshakes.
Ashwin expressed his bewilderment at the targeting of Pycroft. “If the absence of a handshake was your primary concern with India, why were you looking for answers to that issue in the UAE game? Why did you feel the need to make Andy Pycroft a scapegoat? He has done absolutely nothing wrong.”
Dismissing notions that Pycroft should have compelled the players to shake hands, Ashwin added, “He isn’t a schoolteacher or a principal. He can’t force Suryakumar to shake hands. That’s simply not his role. What fault could Pycroft possibly have here?”
The seasoned off-spinner further clarified that the Indian players were merely adhering to an organizational directive. “Whether it’s a corporate office, a government agency, or a cricket team – when there’s a clear directive, you follow it. Our players were unambiguous: they were there to represent India, and they followed the established protocol. That is our side of the story, and the matter should logically conclude there.”
Ashwin was particularly harsh on Pakistan’s reported demand for an apology. “You lodged a complaint against India, and once the dust settles, you’re claiming Pycroft apologized? If I were Andy Pycroft, I’d expect you to apologize to me. What would I possibly be apologizing for? ‘I’m sorry that Suryakumar Yadav didn’t shake your hand’? Is that truly what you expect?”
As India prepares to face Pakistan once again in the Super Four stage this Sunday, Ashwin’s outspoken comments underscore India’s unwavering commitment to keeping the focus squarely on the game, rather than on external distractions.