Dhaka, Sep 16 (V7N) – The Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan has sparked controversy off the field, as a dispute over the traditional handshake at the toss drew attention.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) claimed that match referee Andy Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Babar Azam not to shake hands with India’s Suryakumar Yadav. The PCB demanded Pycroft’s removal from the ongoing tournament, arguing that the incident violated the spirit of cricket and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) code of conduct.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), however, rejected the demand. According to ICC clarifications, Pycroft played no role in the handshake controversy. Instead, officials from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on the field had informed Pycroft that there would be no handshake at the toss.

The incident marked an unusual start to the match, with the captains avoiding the customary handshake. The tension continued post-match as the Indian team did not shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, adding to the controversy.

END/SMA/AJ