PCB Suspends Usman Wahla Over Handshake Controversy, Calls for Disciplinary Action Against India

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended team director Usman Wahla after a controversy in the India vs Pakistan match at the Asia Cup 2025. On Sunday, after India’s routine win at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the Indian players did not join the handshake. Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, were waiting for them, but Suryakumar Yadav’s team reportedly closed the doors as a show of support for their country’s armed forces.

According to Cricket Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken strict action after the IND vs PAK match. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the head of the Asian Cricket Council, has suspended team director Usman Wahla. The decision was made because Wahla failed to handle the situation in Dubai, which left Pakistan embarrassed. The PCB also raised questions about match referee Andy Pycroft’s role saying he had told both captains at the toss not to shake hands.

In a statement shared on X Naqvi said: "The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded the immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup."

After the India vs Pakistan match, things turned tense as Suryakumar Yadav’s team did not follow the usual handshake and went back to the dugout later dedicating the win to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. In reply, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the presentation, while coach Mike Hesson said his team was ready to shake hands but India refused, which left him disappointed.

The PCB has filed a complaint with the ICC, saying India disrespected them and also raising concerns about referee Andy Pycroft. According to PCB, Pycroft asked India not to join the handshake. They even asked for Pycroft to be removed from the rest of the tournament, but reports suggest the ICC has turned down their request.

ACC Weighs Possible Disciplinary Action

A report in Cricket Pakistan said that both the ICC and ACC are keeping a close watch on the issue with the ACC even considering “possible disciplinary action” against the Indian team. Though nothing has been confirmed yet, fines or warnings are being talked about. At the same time, there is no written ICC rule that makes handshakes after a match compulsory. With the political tensions already high between India and Pakistan, the ICC and ACC may choose not to make the matter more complicated.

Suryakumar explained after the match that the decision was not personal but taken in line with the Indian government and the BCCI. Pakistan now must beat the UAE on Wednesday to qualify, which could set up another India-Pakistan match in the Super Four on Sunday in Dubai. If things go that way, the two teams might even face each other again in the final on September 28.

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ICC Likely to Reject PCB Request to Remove Andy Pycroft, PCB Might Boycott UAE: Reports The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to remove Andy Pycroft from the match referees for the Asia Cup.

by IPL Web Desk September 16, 2025