Mon Sep 15 12:11:50 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Pakistan is threatening to boycott their Asia Cup 2025 match against the UAE if match referee Andy Pycroft is not removed from the tournament. This stems from an incident where Indian players, including captain Suryakumar Yadav, did not shake hands with Pakistani players after their recent match. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a complaint, alleging Pycroft failed to act on their protest regarding the incident and is now demanding his removal. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has even escalated the issue to the ICC. Pycroft reportedly apologized for failing to inform the Pakistan team about a ‘no handshake’ protocol.

**News Article:**

**Pakistan Threatens Boycott Over Handshake Snub and Match Referee Dispute**

**[City, Date]** – Tensions are escalating at the Asia Cup 2025 as Pakistan threatens to boycott their upcoming match against the UAE unless match referee Andy Pycroft is removed. The dispute arises from an incident following Pakistan’s recent match against India, where Indian players, including captain Suryakumar Yadav, did not shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a formal complaint, alleging that Pycroft failed to address their concerns regarding the perceived snub. In a strongly worded statement, the PCB has now demanded Pycroft’s immediate removal, threatening to withdraw from their match against the UAE scheduled for [Date].

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has taken the matter further, lodging a complaint against Pycroft with the ICC, despite the global body not organizing the tournament. Naqvi took to X to express his disappointment at what he perceives as a lack of sportsmanship.

Sources within the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) have suggested that Pycroft apologized for neglecting to inform the Pakistani team about a reported ‘no handshake’ protocol, adding another layer to the controversy.

The ICC is yet to issue an official response, leaving the future of Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025 hanging in the balance. The incident has sparked debate about sportsmanship and the role of match officials in maintaining the spirit of the game.

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