(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
PCB Lodges Protest Over India’s Conduct in Asia Cup 2025 Clash
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially lodged a protest against what it termed as “unsportsmanlike behaviour” by the Indian team during the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 fixture in Dubai.
Details of the Incident
According to Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, Indian players allegedly avoided the traditional handshake with their Pakistani counterparts both at the toss and after the group-stage match. The PCB noted that match referee Andy Pycroft instructed captains to skip the pre-match handshake, which Cheema described as being “against the spirit of the game.”
After India’s victory, players including Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube fist-bumped before heading directly to their dugout, ignoring the Pakistani squad that had lined up for the customary post-match handshake.
PCB’s Reaction
Cheema condemned the conduct, stating it undermined the principles of cricket and sportsmanship. As a form of protest, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation. The PCB further objected to remarks made by Suryakumar during the ceremony, calling them politically charged and in violation of ICC rules.
Next Steps
The PCB emphasized that it is pursuing the matter with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), stressing that high-profile tournaments demand the highest standards of respect and sportsmanship.
With Pakistan still in contention for the Super Four stage, the controversy has heightened tensions ahead of potential future encounters between the two arch-rivals.
