The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially lodged a protest over the “unsportsmanlike behaviour” by India after the high voltage clash between the arch rivals during Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai.
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi took to X (formerly Twitter) stating, “The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.”
Private news channel reported citing sources, Pakistan will boycott Asia Cup 2025 if Andy Pycroft not removed as match referee from the remainder of the tournament.
Earlier, Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema formally lodged a protest over what he termed “inappropriate behaviour.”
“Indian players’ refusal to shake hands is against sportsmanship,” Cheema said in a PCB statement.
Adding to the controversy, Cheema also questioned match referee Andy Pycroft’s instruction for captains to avoid handshakes at the toss, calling it against cricket’s spirit.
In protest, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation, breaking away from the usual practice of captains reflecting on the game.
The decision reflected a charged evening, not a lack of resolve. Both teams kept interactions brief at the toss and at the finish, and the focus stayed on cricket.
The Indian team yet again failed to keep the spirit of the game alive.
During the post match ceremony skipper Suryakumar Yadav dragged politics into sports dedicating the win to Indian armed forces.
Composed start and late surge keep total competitive
Opting to bat, Pakistan posted 127/9 on a surface that rewarded discipline more than brute force. Sahibzada Farhan held the innings together with 40 off 44, picking moments to attack and protecting his wicket when the ball gripped.
Shaheen Shah Afridi lifted the mood late with 33 off 16 and four clean strikes over the ropes.
That burst gave the bowlers something to work with and drew loud support from a packed Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Saim Ayub strikes thrice to test India’s chase
India reached 128/3 with 25 balls to spare, guided by Suryakumar Yadav’s calm 47 off 37*. Pakistan still forced mistakes. Saim Ayub delivered the standout spell, taking 3 for 35 and breaking rhythm at key moments.
His changes of pace and attacking fields showed clear planning and nerve.
Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma added 31 each, yet Pakistan’s ground fielding and energy kept pressure on singles and cut twos through the middle.
