(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
PCB Suspends Director of International Cricket Over Asia Cup Handshake Row
ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly suspended its Director of International Cricket, Usman Wahla, following the controversy during the Asia Cup 2025 clash against India.
Background of the Controversy
The suspension comes after a heated review of incidents surrounding the match, in which match referee Andy Pycroft stopped the customary pre-match handshake between the two captains. Post-match, Indian players reportedly avoided the traditional handshake, leaving Pakistani players visibly frustrated.
Adding to tensions, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav made politically charged statements after the game, prompting further criticism from Pakistan cricket officials.
PCB’s Response
According to sources, Wahla was responsible for managing sportsmanship protocols and ensuring Pakistan’s position was safeguarded during the fixture. His handling of both the pre-match and post-match incidents was deemed unsatisfactory, leading to his suspension by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
Chairman Naqvi emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to national honor, stating on social media:
“There is nothing more important to me than the honor and prestige of my country.”
Implications for the Asia Cup
The suspension signals the PCB’s intent to hold its officials accountable while continuing to press for fair play and sportsmanship at the international level. With discussions of a potential Pakistan boycott of the Asia Cup still on the table, the board appears determined to assert its stance, ensuring that such breaches of protocol are addressed decisively.
This move sets the stage for a tense standoff that could shape the remainder of the tournament and redefine interactions between the rival teams.
