The ongoing Asia Cup 2025 was nearly rocked by a dramatic twist, as former PCB chairman Najam Sethi has revealed that Pakistan came close to pulling out of the tournament following the much-publicized “handshake controversy” with India.
The incident, which unfolded after the India vs Pakistan clash on September 14 in Dubai, has taken center stage once again after Sethi’s explosive remarks in an interview on Samaa TV.
What Sparked the Controversy?
The situation escalated when Indian players did not partake in the traditional post-match handshake with their Pakistani counterparts. This unexpected gesture left the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) furious. The board immediately raised objections and demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, who was overseeing the game.
According to Sethi, emotions ran high inside the PCB. “The decision was already taken. The mood was such that, under public pressure, let’s boycott. ‘Let the Asia Cup go to hell, let the ICC go to hell,’” he said.
PCB Nearly Boycotted the Tournament
Sethi explained that the board seriously contemplated withdrawing from the Asia Cup just days before their scheduled match against the UAE on September 17. The players were instructed not to leave the stadium as PCB officials deliberated their next steps, largely fueled by public outrage and internal pressure.
“The atmosphere was tense. There was a lot of pressure to take a stand. But I’ve always believed that decisions must stay within legal limits and avoid isolating Pakistan from the international cricketing stage,” Sethi added.
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Pycroft at the Center of the Storm
The controversy centered around Andy Pycroft, the ICC Elite Panel match referee, who officiated the India vs Pakistan match and was again appointed for the Pakistan vs UAE game. The PCB reportedly wanted him removed, believing that he advised players from both sides not to shake hands, an act they saw as contrary to the spirit of cricket.
Despite these allegations, the ICC refused to remove Pycroft and firmly stood by him. The global cricket body also denied the PCB’s claim that Pycroft had issued an apology. Yet, Pakistan eventually took the field, albeit with the tension still simmering.
Sethi Warns of Fallout if PCB Had Boycotted
Najam Sethi warned that had the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi acted on the boycott threat, Pakistan could have faced serious consequences – including fines, suspensions, or damage to its standing within the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
“In cricket diplomacy, rash decisions can have long-term impacts,” Sethi emphasized, suggesting that while public sentiment is important, pulling out of a major international tournament could have been a disaster for Pakistani cricket.
What’s Next for PCB and Asia Cup 2025?
As the dust begins to settle, the spotlight will now return to the cricket. However, this episode highlights the fragile nature of India-Pakistan cricketing relations, where on-field decisions and gestures can quickly spiral into off-field controversies.
With the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage underway, and both India and Pakistan looking to secure a place in the final, tensions are likely to remain high – not just on the pitch, but in the boardrooms as well.
