India’s thrilling Asia Cup 2025 victory over Pakistan has been clouded by a post-match controversy, as a handshake snub has spiralled into a formal complaint. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approached the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and even written to the ICC, seeking the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of mishandling the situation.

India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed after the game that his players collectively chose not to shake hands with the Pakistan team, emphasising that their sole focus was “just to play cricket.” While the decision shocked many, it carried deeper undertones given the recent Pahalgam terror attack that left the Indian cricket fraternity emotionally shaken.

Former India batter Suresh Raina openly supported the players’ stance, stressing that not a single member of the squad would have willingly played Pakistan in the current climate.

ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant Begins Rehab At BCCI CoE After Foot Injury Ahead Of West Indies Tests

“The government had already approved participation in multi-national tournaments, and the BCCI followed that directive,” Suresh Raina told Aaj Tak. “But if you personally ask the players, none of them wanted to play this Asia Cup match against Pakistan. They had no choice.”

Raina recalled a similar moment earlier this year when a group of Indian veterans, including Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan, had pulled out of a privately organised game against Pakistan. “That was a personal decision, outside BCCI’s jurisdiction. All of us felt strongly about not taking the field against Pakistan,” he explained.

The incident has also led to repercussions within the PCB. Its Director of International Cricket Operations, Usman Wahla, has been suspended for failing to act swiftly during the tense post-match situation. According to PCB’s statement, referee Andy Pycroft had instructed both captains at the toss to avoid the traditional handshake ceremony. This move has further fueled debate over whether the ICC official overstepped his role.

ALSO READ: Sunil Gavaskar Slams Pakistan’s Asia Cup Show, Labels Team A “Popatwadi Side”

While India’s on-field brilliance secured the points, the off-field storm has ensured that this Asia Cup clash will be remembered as much for politics and emotion as for cricket. The fallout now rests with the ACC and ICC, who must decide whether Pycroft’s handling warrants disciplinary action or if the controversy will fade with time.