Handshake Incident Leads to Suspension of PCB Director Usman Wahla

A significant development has emerged following Pakistan’s defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025: the suspension of PCB Director Usman Wahla. The PCB cited Wahla’s inaction concerning the handshake issue as the reason for the suspension. Following the match, Indian players, including Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, reportedly refused the post-match handshake. The PCB alleges that match referee Andy Pycroft also directed that there be no handshake at the coin toss. The PCB maintains that Wahla did not promptly address the incident, particularly by communicating the concerns to the ICC. This delay, according to the PCB, weakened Pakistan’s position. The PCB’s actions include lodging complaints with the ICC and MCC against Andy Pycroft, accusing him of breaching conduct rules. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of national honor. The situation could escalate, as the PCB has threatened to boycott its upcoming match against the UAE if its demands are unmet. Such a boycott, coupled with other results, could prevent Pakistan from progressing to the Super-Four stage.