IND vs PAK Handshake Controversy: ICC Likely to Take Action Against PCB for Filming in Restricted Area

The India vs Pakistan handshake issue is taking another twist. After the September 14 game, when Suryakumar Yadav skipped the handshake, the PCB made some strange moves that may cause big problems for them. According to a Times of India report, the ICC has sent a strict letter to the board for breaking rules in the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) during the Pakistan vs UAE match in Dubai.

The problem started when the PCB wanted to record a chat between match referee Andy Pycroft, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and coach Mike Hesson. Officials did not allow filming in the restricted area, but the PCB reportedly warned they might pull out of the match. The Times of India report says ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta sent a mail objecting to the recording inside the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA). Even after being told not to film there, the PCB again threatened to withdraw.

To keep the match on schedule, officials finally gave in to the PCB’s demand. But things got worse afterward, as the PCB not only issued statements against Andy Pycroft but also shared the recorded video on social media. This has reportedly upset the ICC. The trouble had already started before Pakistan’s game with the UAE, when a PCB media manager tried to take his phone into the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA). After being stopped, he allegedly used threats to push his way.

🚨 Video clip of match referee Andy Pycroft apologising to Pakistan’s manager and captain. pic.twitter.com/VnBKM6ePBa

— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) September 17, 2025

ICC Tried to Resolve Privately, PCB Pushed for Publicity

The ICC and match referee Andy Pycroft wanted to settle the matter quietly, but the PCB allegedly tried to make the meeting public. Earlier, on September 17, the day of the incident, the ICC had already emailed the PCB asking for details about what caused the match to be delayed by an hour. So far, the PCB has not replied to that mail or the latest one.

After the handshake drama, Pakistan’s actions didn’t leave a good impression either. They refused to send captain Salman for the press conference after the India game. Then, just a day before facing the UAE, they cancelled the press conference and, according to reports, even threatened to quit the tournament. Their main demand was that Andy Pycroft be removed from the panel of referees for the Asia Cup. But the ICC did not agree, saying the Zimbabwean official had simply followed the rules.