Fresh twist in no‑handshake row: Sources say referee’s mistake sparked the chaos

A new detail has emerged in the no‑handshake controversy after the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match. Sources say match referee Andy Pycroft forgot to tell the Pakistan team that the “no handshake” protocol would also apply after the game. This led to confusion at the end, when Pakistan players waited near the boundary but India walked straight to the dressing room.

Before the toss, the referee had told Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha that there would be no handshake with Suryakumar Yadav. So the captains did not shake hands there. But, according to sources, the reminder was not given for the post‑match period. When India finished the chase, their players went off the field as planned. Pakistan’s players and coach Mike Hesson moved towards the Indian area expecting the usual greetings, only to see the dressing‑room door shut. Later, the referee is understood to have apologised to Pakistan for not relaying the end‑of‑match instruction clearly.

Pakistan’s board called India’s move “against the spirit of the game” and said their team manager lodged a protest. They also said the captain skipped the post‑match ceremony in protest. India’s captain explained the team’s decision, saying it was a tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and a show of support to the armed forces. He said some things are above sport.

This new detail — that a missed message at the end may have added to the confusion — does not change the core positions. India are sticking to a silent tribute. Pakistan are pushing for action through official complaints. Tournament officials will review match reports and statements. Handshakes are a custom, not a written law, so any action will likely follow event guidelines rather than the Laws of Cricket. If the two teams meet again later in the event, organisers may set very clear protocols in advance to avoid another public flashpoint.