Pakistan Approaches ICC Over Handshake Controversy, India Responds

In a highly charged Asia Cup clash, Indian cricketers did not shake hands with their long-standing rivals, Pakistan, following the match. This action angered the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has officially filed a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

48 hours after the match, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) responded indirectly. While no formal statement was issued, an Indian cricket board official told PTI: “What Suryakumar Yadav and the team did is not wrong. The Indian board stands firmly behind its players.”

The official elaborated: “There is no rule in cricket mandating a handshake with opposition players after a match. Traditionally, players do shake hands to show respect, and that is observed worldwide. But it is not compulsory. On what basis is Pakistan lodging this complaint?”

Incident Details

• After the match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav returned to the dressing room with his teammates without shaking hands with the Pakistani players.
• The official explained: “Given the strained relationship between India and Pakistan, shaking hands with their players would have been unusual. Our players acted appropriately. If there is no formal rule, Suryakumar was absolutely right. Why should we shake hands with a country that has often wished ill upon us? India played according to the schedule and showed no further gestures of respect.”
• During the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Aghar also did not shake hands with Yadav, and the same conduct was repeated at the end of the match.
• Indian players closed the dressing room doors and entered, prompting Pakistan to boycott the award ceremony in protest.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has targeted match referee Paul Reiffel, alleging violations of ICC codes of conduct and MCC rules. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said: “PCB has approached the ICC. The match referee has violated ICC’s code of conduct and MCC regulations. PCB has demanded the immediate removal of the match referee from the Asia Cup.”

Pakistan’s complaint primarily revolves around:

• Failure to shake hands with opposition players
• Not offering congratulations or customary goodwill
• Breach of cricketing etiquette and sportsmanship

Key Points

The controversy underscores the heightened sensitivities in India-Pakistan cricket encounters, where historical rivalry and diplomatic tensions often influence on-field gestures and reactions. While India maintains that its players followed the rules and acted appropriately, Pakistan continues to seek formal redress through the ICC.