Chairman PCB Calls Pycroft Apology Preserved the Nation’s Honour

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that match referee Andy Pycroft apologised for the handshake controversy during the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match. Speaking at Gaddafi Stadium alongside former chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, Naqvi called it a “victory for Pakistan,” preserving the nation’s honour.

Pycroft formally apologised to Captain Salman Ali Agha, the coach, and the manager for the incident, describing it as a “miscommunication.” The PCB had filed a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over Pycroft barring handshakes at the toss and post-match. Naqvi confirmed the ICC will investigate the code of conduct breach. He consulted Raja and Sethi, emphasising cricket over politics.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi held a press conference alongside former chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja at the Gaddafi Stadium.

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Ramiz Raja welcomed the apology, calling it a “victory for Pakistan” and urging focus on performance. “Whatever hurt was felt, the team must deliver on the field,” Raja said, questioning Pycroft’s alleged bias toward India. Najam Sethi reiterated the PCB’s stance: “Politics has no place in sport.” Their support unified the board’s response.

The row erupted during the September 14 Asia Cup match in Dubai. Pycroft allegedly instructed captains Agha and Suryakumar Yadav not to shake hands at the toss. After India’s win, their players skipped the post-match handshake, prompting Pakistan’s boycott. The PCB reacted strongly, with Naqvi prioritising national prestige.

Read: Pakistan Secures Referee Pycroft’s Removal from Asia Cup 2025 Matches

The apology resolves tensions threatening Pakistan’s Asia Cup participation. It tests the ICC’s impartiality in the India-Pakistan rivalry, the first match since May 2025’s conflict. Raja’s call for focus on cricket highlights the importance of sportsmanship amid geopolitical strains.

Andy Pycroft’s apology to Pakistan’s team marks a resolution to the Asia Cup handshake controversy. With the ICC investigating, the focus returns to the game.