The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decisively rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup, sources confirmed. Pakistan had escalated the issue, threatening to pull out of the tournament if their call was ignored.

The controversy erupted during the India-Pakistan group-stage clash when India captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Agha at both the toss and the conclusion of the match. The gesture—or lack thereof—sparked a diplomatic cricketing storm, prompting formal complaints from the PCB against both the Indian players and Pycroft.

Sources suggest that certain Asian Cricket Council officials, including a PCB director, were reportedly aware that the handshake might not occur. Yet, the PCB lodged formal protests, claiming Pycroft had allegedly advised Agha against shaking hands and accusing the Indian team of violating the ICC Code of Conduct.

After reviewing the complaints, the ICC conducted an internal investigation and firmly communicated to the PCB that Pycroft would continue his duties. Pakistan faces a critical decision ahead of its next match against the UAE on Wednesday, September 17: stay in the tournament or walk out in protest.

The fallout has already shaken the PCB internally. Reports from Dubai indicate the board has suspended its Director of International Cricket Operations, Usman Wahla, following Pakistan’s seven-wicket loss to India. Media outlets claim Wahla was disciplined for failing to address the handshake incident promptly.

Reactions have poured in across the cricketing world. Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson criticized the snub, while PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi condemned the perceived lack of sportsmanship, urging teams to separate politics from the game.

The Asia Cup handshake controversy underscores the enduring tension between India and Pakistan, both on and off the field. The cricketing world now watches closely as the saga continues to unfold, with every upcoming match carrying heightened stakes.