Following the recent India vs Pakistan game at the Asia Cup, controversy surrounding sportsmanship has arisen, which has caused senior pledges from Cricket authorities to properly address any improper behavior and carefully investigate the circumstances.
The problem started when Indian players declined to engage in the traditional handshakes with their Pakistani opponents both before and after the game. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally protested match official Andy Pycroft, claiming this behavior breached the ICC Code of Conduct as well as the Spirit of Cricket, as the rules of the MCC describe.
Reacting, the International Cricket Council (ICC) first rejected the request from the PCB to relieve Pycroft of his umpire duties. However, in view of the backlash that followed, Pycroft has now been rested for Pakistan’s next game against the UAE, which is vital. in deciding which team advances to the Super 4 level.
Commenting on the situation, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal said the ICC would look into Pakistan’s claims. He promised that should any misbehaviour be confirmed, that misbehavior will be dealt with as necessary. On the Indian side, captain Suryakumar Yadav said following talks with the Board of Control for the Indian government and Cricket in India (BCCI). He implied that this move was done in sympathy with the families and victims affected by the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Dhumal also shed light on the general political climate: although India and Pakistan’s bilateral cricket series have now stopped, the India Cricket Schedule 2025 will keep going. Participation in multilateral or international contests requires Pakistani teams to need visas to come to India for such events, the Indian government has promised them. Pakistan had warned at this point that if Pycroft kept serving as match referee, it would pull out of the Asia Cup. With his rest from forthcoming games and the ICC’s review in progress, however, the tension may have somewhat subsided.
