The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended its Director of International Cricket, Usman Wahla, in the aftermath of the handshake controversy during the Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan.
Why Wahla Was Removed
According to a report by ASports, the PCB was unhappy with Wahla for failing to issue a timely formal complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft. The complaint alleged that Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with India skipper Suryakumar Yadav after the match.
“Wahla was removed from his position over the delay in issuing a formal response to the referee’s conduct and India’s actions,” the report added.
PCB’s Strong Stand
The PCB has since filed an official complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), demanding Pycroft’s immediate removal. They accused the referee of violating the ICC Code of Conduct as well as the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Laws related to the Spirit of Cricket.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also confirmed the move on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“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 an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.”
The Bigger Picture
India’s decision to skip the post-match handshake was seen as a symbolic stand amid heightened tensions following the April terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 tourists lost their lives.
After India chased down the 128-run target with ease, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walked straight back to the dressing room without engaging in the traditional handshake, further fueling the controversy.
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