Explained: How Handshake Row, Boycott Threats and ICC Hearings Turned Asia Cup 2025 Into Pure Drama | Cricket News

Provocative gestures, boycott threats, handshake snubs, and ICC complaints has created an unparalleled off-field spectacle during the Asia Cup 2025, setting the scene for a highly charged India vs Pakistan final, etched in political undertones.

Here’s a blow-by-blow account of how handshakes, taunts, and political tension overshadowed the cricket on Asia Cup 2025’s biggest stage.

No Handshake: The Incident That Ignited the Controversy (September 14, 2025)

The turmoil kicked off during the Group A clash between India and Pakistan on September 14, 2025, in Dubai. After India’s dominant 7-wicket win, captain Suryakumar Yadav led his team straight to the dressing room, bypassing the customary post-match handshakes with their Pakistani rivals, leaving them stranded on the field. This was no spur-of-the-moment decision. The BCCI, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, had decided in advance to skip handshakes in protest of the Pahalgam terror attack that had claimed 26 lives in April 2025.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Post-Match Remarks

During the presentation ceremony, Yadav voiced the team’s stance: “We stand by the families of the Pahalgam terror attack victims. This win is dedicated to our brave armed forces engaged in Operation Sindoor.” When a Pakistani journalist suggested the handshake snub was politically motivated, Yadav responded, “Some things surpass sportsmanship.”

Referee Andy Pycroft and PCB’s Immediate Response

Match referee Andy Pycroft found himself at the centre of the storm when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) accused him of advising both captains against shaking hands at the toss. The PCB filed formal complaints with the ICC, demanding Pycroft’s removal, alleging he mishandled the situation. In protest, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation.

Mike Hesson Weighs In

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson expressed his discontent: “We were ready to shake hands; it’s disappointing our opponents weren’t.” He confirmed that Agha’s absence was a direct result of India’s refusal to engage in the customary handshake.

Escalation: PCB Threatens to Boycott

The ICC dismissed the PCB’s demands to dismiss Pycroft, prompting a dramatic escalation. On September 17, Pakistan threatened to boycott their critical Group A match against the UAE, delaying the game by an hour as they stayed back at their hotel. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi consulted former PCB chiefs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, considering a complete withdrawal from the tournament.

Mohsin Naqvi’s Decision

Naqvi, also the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President, initially leaned towards withdrawing Pakistan but reconsidered after weighing financial and reputational costs. Former PCB chief Najam Sethi highlighted a potential $15 million loss in ACC broadcasting rights and possible ICC sanctions. Support from Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other officials led Naqvi to reverse the boycott decision.

Meeting with Pycroft and the Apology Video

The PCB demanded their media manager’s presence in a meeting with Pycroft for clarity on the September 14 incident. After a meeting with the team, the PCB released a statement and video claiming Pycroft had apologised for the miscommunication, though the ICC clarified he only expressed regret.

ICC’s Firm Stance and Pycroft’s Continuance

The ICC stood firm, denying all PCB demands and retaining Pycroft as the match referee for future Pakistan games, including their Super Four rematch against India on September 21.

The Second Showdown: Renewed Controversy (September 21, 2025)

The Super Four stage saw India and Pakistan face off again on September 21, with tensions still simmering. Yadav once more avoided shaking hands with Agha at the toss and after India’s 6-wicket victory.

Provocative Gestures from Pakistani Players

The second match saw Pakistani players engaging in provocative antics. Fast bowler Haris Rauf made a “6-0″ gesture towards Indian fans and imitated a fighter jet crash, referencing Pakistan’s unverified claim of downing six Indian aircraft during Operation Sindoor. Opener Sahibzada Farhan celebrated his fifty with a “gun-firing” gesture. These actions, caught on video, drew widespread criticism and added fuel to the fire.

Counter-Complaints by BCCI and PCB

After the match, both cricket boards lodged formal complaints with the ICC. The BCCI targeted Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for their provocative behaviour, while the PCB filed a complaint against Suryakumar Yadav for his September 14 comments. Video evidence supported the BCCI’s claims, with both complaints submitted within the ICC’s seven-day window.

Mohsin Naqvi’s CR7 Gesture

The controversy spilled beyond the cricket field when Naqvi shared a video of Cristiano Ronaldo making an aircraft-crash gesture, echoing Rauf’s contentious action.

ICC Hearings – Suryakumar Yadav’s Hearing (September 25, 2025)

India captain Suryakumar Yadav attended an ICC hearing with match referee Richie Richardson, accompanied by BCCI officials. Pleading “not guilty,” Yadav was advised to avoid politically charged comments.

Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan’s Hearing (September 26, 2025)

The Pakistani duo faced their hearing on September 26. Rauf denied his “6-0″ gesture had military connotations, claiming it represented Pakistan’s score. Both players risked sanctions if their explanations fell short.

ICC Verdicts and Penalties (September 26, 2025)

The ICC’s Elite Panel concluded the hearings on September 26, imposing fines on the players. Suryakumar Yadav was fined 30% of his match fee for his post-match comments on September 14, a verdict India has appealed. Haris Rauf received a similar fine for aggressive behaviour, including the “6-0″ gesture and mimicking a crashing jet. Sahibzada Farhan faced a more lenient official warning for his “gunshot” celebration, accepted as a traditional ethnic gesture.

The Trophy Presentation: A Brewing Powderkeg

A potential subplot looms over the Asia Cup final trophy presentation. Traditionally, ACC President Mohsin Naqvi would present the trophy, but reports suggest that if India wins, they might refuse to share the presentation stage with Naqvi, aligning with India’s broader policy of avoiding interactions with Pakistani officials during the tournament.

Asia Cup Final: Historic First for India vs Pakistan

Despite the off-field chaos, both teams reached the Asia Cup final on September 28, 2025, marking the first India-Pakistan final in the 41-year history of the tournament.