Andy Pycroft stays as referee for Pakistan–India Super Four clash despite handshake saga

Andy Pycroft will remain the match referee for the Super Four clash between Pakistan and India in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, scheduled for Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The decision follows controversy during a group-stage game on September 14, when Pycroft instructed captains Salman Ali Agha and Suryakumar Yadav not to shake hands at the toss.

The move sparked criticism after both skippers avoided customary gestures before and after the match, leading to visible tension between the two sides.

Following India’s win, their players left the field without the usual post-match exchange, while Pakistan’s squad stayed behind. Pakistan’s team manager, Naveed Akram Cheema, lodged an official protest, and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi filed a complaint with the ICC seeking Pycroft’s removal from Pakistan’s matches.

While the ICC rejected the request, Pycroft later apologised to Pakistan’s captain and management before their match against the UAE. Pakistan went on to defeat the UAE and secure qualification for the Super Four stage.

Sri Lanka topped Group B with six points, followed by Bangladesh with four. India led Group A, with Pakistan finishing second.