Pakistan Files Formal Complaint Against India, Match Referee Over Handshake Snub After Asia Cup Clash

The Pakistan cricket team has launched a formal protest against the Indian players after their group-stage match in the Asia Cup on Sunday, September 14. News agency PTI reported that the Pakistan Cricket Board has taken to the Asian Cricket Council to lodge a complaint against the Indian team, who refused to shake hands with the Pakistan unit after the conclusion of their group stage game.

The Indian cricket team players did not shake hands with Pakistan, neither at the start nor at the end of the game. The tone was set by captain Suryakumar Yadav at the toss when he did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Agha. Incidentally, Suryakumar and Agha did not shake hands at the captain's press conference before the tournament either.

The incident infuriated the Pakistan players and resulted in Salman Agha boycotting the post-match presentation ceremony, which is customary for the captains of both sides to attend.

Stay updated on Asia Cup 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest Asia Cup points table.

ESPNcricinfo further reported that Pakistan had also lodged a complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft for reportedly advising Salman Agha to not shake hands with Suryakumar Yadav.

"The match referee Andy Pycroft had asked captain Salman Ali Agha, at the time of the toss, not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart. The Pakistan team management has lodged a protest, calling the behaviour against the spirit of sports," the PCB statement reportedly said.

"Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation in protest against the behaviour of the Indian team, as the ceremony host was also an Indian," it added.

Asia Cup, India vs Pakistan: Highlights | Scorecard

Pakistan's protest is essentially against India flouting the spirit of cricket rule followed by the The International Council (ICC). According to the code of conduct laws, teams are expected to congratulate the opposition at the end of the match.

ARTICLE 2 – CODE OF CONDUCT OFFENCES

The Preamble of the ICC Standard Test Match, ODI and T20I Playing Conditions sets out the definition of the Spirit of Cricket, as follows:

Preamble – The Spirit of Cricket

Cricket owes much of its appeal and enjoyment to the fact that it should be played not only according to the Laws (which are incorporated within these Playing Conditions), but also within the Spirit of Cricket.

The major responsibility for ensuring fair play rests with the captains, but extends to all players, umpires, and, especially in junior cricket, teachers, coaches and parents.

Respect is central to the Spirit of Cricket:

Respect your captain, team-mates, opponents, and the authority of the umpires.

Play hard and play fair.

Accept the umpire’s decision.

Create a positive atmosphere by your own conduct, and encourage others to do likewise.

Show self-discipline, even when things go against you.

Congratulate the opposition on their successes, and enjoy those of your own team.