LAHORE – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi declared on Wednesday that the country’s “honour has been preserved” following match referee Andy Pycroft’s formal apology over the controversial handshake episode during the Asia Cup clash against India.
Speaking at a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium alongside former chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, Naqvi revealed that Pycroft apologised directly to Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, coach Mike Hesson, and team manager Naveed Akram Cheema. The referee admitted his handling of the situation was misguided and acknowledged Pakistan’s concerns.
“A short while ago, the match referee apologised to the captain and team manager. We have also formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to investigate the violations that occurred in the September 14 match,” Naqvi confirmed. “Thank God, Pakistan’s honour has been safeguarded, and now we expect our team to focus fully on performance.”
Former chairman and commentator Ramiz Raja also hailed the resolution of the controversy, describing it as a “victory for Pakistan,” while urging all stakeholders to turn their attention back to the game itself rather than external distractions.
“This is a victory for Pakistan. Whatever emotions were hurt must now be set aside, the focus has to be on performance. Cricket should remain cricket, not a political platform. The team must deliver on the field,” Raja emphasized.
However, he did not shy away from raising concerns over officiating standards, alleging that “Andy Pycroft has shown bias in favour of the Indian team.” Meanwhile, another former PCB chairman, Najam Sethi, reiterated the board’s principled stance, stressing that “the PCB has always maintained there should be no politics in sports.”
The controversy had erupted during the high-voltage Pakistan-India encounter when Pycroft barred the two captains from shaking hands at the toss and later discouraged the customary post-match handshake. The PCB strongly protested, calling it a violation of cricketing spirit and code of conduct.
According to PCB officials, the ICC has now expressed its willingness to conduct a formal inquiry into the matter. “The ICC’s match referee, Andy Pycroft, has apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistan team. He had earlier barred the handshakes, which sparked controversy. The ICC has now agreed to look into this incident,” the board stated.
Despite earlier reports that Pycroft had left for the ICC headquarters in Dubai, officials confirmed he had remained on duty and officiated Pakistan’s match against the UAE.
