The fallout from the India-Pakistan match at the Asia Cup 2025 has revealed internal issues within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The controversy over the lack of handshakes after the match has led to significant repercussions, including the dismissal of a PCB official. The primary cause for this action centers on the failure of the official to brief Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, about the implications of the situation. This lapse in communication is seen as the reason the incident spiraled out of control. Consequently, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has suspended Usman Wahla, the Director of Cricket Operations, due to his role in the matter.
The match in question, a Group A encounter, took place between India and Pakistan on September 14th in Dubai. India won the match, defeating Pakistan by 7 wickets. The Indian team’s subsequent refusal to shake hands with the Pakistani cricketers has become the focal point of the controversy. According to recent reports, the primary source of the no-handshake issue was the PCB’s Director of Cricket Operations, Usman Wahla, who neglected to brief the Pakistan captain, Salman Ali Agha, about the tournament’s regulations.
Critics have pointed out that Wahla should have provided Salman Agha with the necessary information concerning the handshake protocols before the match. This could have potentially mitigated the issue. One PCB official commented, “Wahla should have issued a statement at the toss when the two captains didn’t shake hands.”
As a result of this, Mohsin Naqvi has ordered Usman Wahla’s suspension. Pakistan is set to play its final league match on September 17th.
Pakistan is scheduled to play their last league match on September 17 against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Richie Richardson may replace Andy Pycroft as match referee, pending official confirmation. Pakistan must win their final league match to qualify for the Super-4 stage, while India has already secured a place in the Super-4 after convincingly winning its initial two matches.