Pycroft did not apologise to Pakistan, claims Indian media

The “handshake controversy” in the Asia Cup has taken a new turn, with Indian media disputing Pakistan’s claim that match referee Andy Pycroft apologised over the incident.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) alleged that Pycroft had stopped the captains from shaking hands at the toss during the India match. Pakistan cricketers also refrained from handshakes after the game, leading the PCB to demand Pycroft’s removal and threaten a boycott of the UAE fixture.

The ICC rejected the demand, and Pycroft officiated in the UAE match in Dubai.

Ahead of that match, the PCB stated that Pycroft admitted to a misunderstanding and apologised to team manager Naveed Akram Cheema and captain Salman Agha. Pakistan even released a video of the meeting, though it contained no audio.

However, the Times of India reported that no apology was made, only a clarification meeting involving Pycroft, coach Mike Hesson, Cheema, and Agha. The report added that there was “no question of any apology, especially from someone who had done nothing wrong.”

The ICC has reiterated that Pycroft did not violate any rules and acted within the code of conduct, stressing that match officials cannot be changed at the request of teams. Despite the controversy, Pakistan played against the UAE as scheduled and have since advanced to the Super Four stage.