Lahore: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the country’s honor remained intact during the handshake controversy, which broke out after the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 match against Arch-Rival’s India.
Naqvi, flanked by former chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, told journalists at Gaddafi Stadium that Zimbabwe-based combat judge Andy Pycroft had formally apologized for national Captain Salman Ali Agha, the coach and team leader who recognized the concerns that were raised.
“A short time ago, the fighting referee apologized the captain and the team leader. We have also filed a formal request in the International Cricket Council (ICC) to investigate the violations that took place during the September 14 luminaire,” Naqvi said.
“I consulted former chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja about the matter. Thank God, Pakistan’s honor has been preserved, and now we expect the team to focus on their performance,” he added.
Former PCB chairman and commentator Ramiz Raja welcomed the development and called it a “victory for Pakistan” and called on all stakeholders to concentrate on cricket rather than off-field distractions.
“This is a victory for Pakistan. Whatever was felt, the focus must now return to the team’s performance. Cricket must remain cricket, not a political platform. Everyone’s attention must be on the game; the team has to deliver on the field,” Raja said.
He also asked the official and noticed, “Andy Pycroft has shown bias in favor of the Indian team.”
Najam Sethi repeated PCB’s long -standing position: “PCB has always maintained that politics should have no place in sports.”
The press conference followed Pycroft’s apology for the handshake rating that occurred during the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 Blockbuster against India.
According to the PCB, the Pycroft described the incident as a result of miscommunication. The ICC has stated its willingness to conduct a formal study of the alleged violation of the Code of Conduct.
“The ICC match judge, Andy Pycroft, has apologized for the manager and captain of the Pakistan Cricket team,” PCB said. “He had prevented the captains of India and Pakistan from shaking hands during the fight. PCB responded strongly to his actions. ICC has now expressed his willingness to investigate.”
Meanwhile, the national team and support staff arrived at the stadium after receiving PCB clearance.
Pycroft, which PCB held responsible for abusing the handshake incident, had previously been reported to have left the ICC headquarters in Dubai.
