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Pakistan threatened to withdraw from the Asia Cup after a perceived slight during the India-Pakistan match, claiming that India captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha. The Pakistan Cricket Board said match referee Andy Pycroft apologised for miscommunication. But did he? We fact check that claim.

Pakistan's threat to withdraw from the Asia Cup over a referee dispute could cost them millions in revenue, potentially jeopardising their financial stability within the Asian Cricket Council. This potential decision, driven by PCB chief Naqvi's criticism of the match referee, risks a significant loss from broadcast deals and sponsorships.

The ICC rejected PCB's request to replace match referee Andy Pycroft during the Asia Cup after Pakistan alleged he instructed their captain to avoid handshakes with India's captain. The ICC clarified that ACC officials informed Pycroft about the no-handshake policy.

​​The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is unlikely to withdraw from the Asia Cup 2025, despite rising tensions over the role of match referee Andy Pycroft during Pakistan’s match against India in Dubai on Sunday. Match referee Pycroft had asked Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav to skip the customary handshake at the toss.

The ICC is likely to reject the PCB's demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft, following allegations that he instructed captains not to shake hands. Sources suggest Pycroft may have been acting on instructions from the ACC. The PCB, led by chief Mohsin Naqvi, threatened to withdraw from the tournament if their demand wasn't met.