Sunil Gavaskar Launches Blistering Attack on PCB's Asia Cup Conduct

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar sharply criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for delaying their Asia Cup 2025 match against the UAE by an hour, accusing them of holding the game “to ransom” amid a controversy over a handshake. The dispute arose after Pakistan demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, claiming he failed to address Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha during a group-stage match. The incident, which Pakistan labelled a breach of sportsmanship, escalated tensions in the tournament.

Gavaskar, in his Sportstar column, condemned Pakistan’s tactics, noting that the PCB had two days between their loss to India and the UAE match to raise concerns with the International Cricket Council (ICC). Instead, Pakistan delayed their team’s departure from the hotel, arriving at the ground near toss time, which pushed the match start by an hour.

“There is simply no excuse for delaying the start of the game while haggling to get an apology from the match referee for something not in any rule books,” Gavaskar wrote, emphasising that the PCB’s actions disrupted the tournament’s schedule and fairness.

The PCB claimed Pycroft apologised for the incident, citing his use of “regrettable miscommunication” as an admission. However, the ICC clarified that no apology was issued, rejecting Pakistan’s demand to replace Pycroft. After discussions with Pycroft and ICC officials, Pakistan agreed to play, but not before causing the delay. Gavaskar dismissed the PCB’s narrative, accusing them of exploiting the situation to assert a hollow victory.

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The episode has intensified scrutiny on cricket’s diplomatic protocols, especially in high-stakes India-Pakistan encounters. With India advancing to the Asia Cup final after defeating Bangladesh, and Pakistan set to face Bangladesh to secure their spot, the controversy underscores ongoing tensions in the sport, drawing attention to the balance between competitive spirit and off-field disputes.

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