KEY POINTS
- PCB confirmed the apology, ICC open to launch a formal Code of Conduct inquiry.
- PCB Chairman urges the nation to support the team and emphasised focusing on cricket
- Former PCB chiefs Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja call for separating politics from sport.
- Raja accused Zimbabwean referee of bias towards India, labelling him a “fixed referee”.
DUBAI: ICC match referee Andy Pycroft on Wednesday issued a formal apology to Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and team officials over the widely discussed handshake incident that occurred after the high-profile Pakistan-India Asia Cup 2025 clash on September 14.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the apology, stating that Pycroft described the incident as a “result of miscommunication.”
The ICC has also expressed willingness to launch a formal inquiry into any Code of Conduct violations arising from the post-match events.
“Pycroft termed the September 14 incident a result of miscommunication and apologised,” the PCB said in a statement, adding that the ICC is open to probing the matter further.
PCB Chairman Calls for Unity
In a press conference following the apology, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi called on the nation to stand behind the team, urging a shift in focus back to cricket.
“I thank Allah that the honour of Pakistan has been upheld,” Naqvi stated, adding that he had consulted with former PCB chiefs Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja over the issue.
Naqvi confirmed that the PCB had requested the ICC to formally investigate the post-match conduct, saying it was important to ensure transparency and fairness on the international stage.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi holds press conference alongside ex-chairs Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja at Gaddafi Stadium pic.twitter.com/LLRTTRA0Sc
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) September 17, 2025
Former Chairmen Weigh In
Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi reaffirmed the board’s longstanding stance that politics must remain separate from sport, while his successor Ramiz Raja hailed the development as a “moral victory” for Pakistan.
“Cricket should remain cricket and not be turned into a political platform,” said Raja, adding, “The focus must now return to the game itself.”
ائی سی سی کے میچ ریفری اینڈی پائی کرافٹ نے پاکستانی کرکٹ ٹیم کے مینجر اور ٹیم کے کپتان سے معذرت کر لی۔
اینڈی پائی کرافٹ نے انڈیا پاکستان کے میچ میں دونوں ٹیموں کے کپتانوں کو مصافحہ کرنے سے منع کیا تھا۔
پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ نے اینڈی پائی کرافٹ کے اس عمل پر سخت رد عمل کا اظہار… pic.twitter.com/vyvUBsoSL6
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) September 17, 2025
Raja also made pointed remarks about Pycroft’s record, claiming he has officiated in over 90 matches involving India, and controversially labelled him a “fixed referee” in favour of India. He stressed that while hurt sentiments were valid, Pakistan’s response should now come through performance on the field.
Background: The Incident
The controversy erupted after Pakistan’s defeat to India, when footage appeared to show match referee Andy Pycroft bypassing customary post-match handshakes with Pakistan’s captain and management, a move widely perceived as disrespectful and politically charged. The incident sparked outrage on social media and raised questions over impartiality in high-stakes fixtures.
With the apology now issued and an ICC inquiry on the table, both the PCB and fans are hoping to turn the page and refocus on Pakistan’s upcoming must-win matches in the Asia Cup.
What’s Next?
ICC inquiry into the September 14 incident is pending confirmation.
Pakistan team is playing a do-or-die match against UAE in Dubai.
PCB leadership calls for unity, discipline, and performance under pressure.
As the tournament heats up, the controversy may be cooling, but the spotlight on fair play and sporting integrity has only grown brighter.
