Pakistan Lodges Protest Over Indian Team’s Conduct at Asia Cup

Dubai, Pakistan has officially lodged a protest against the Indian cricket team and match referee Andy Pycroft following what it described as “unsportsmanlike conduct” during their Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), team manager Naveed Akram Cheema submitted a formal complaint, citing the Indian players’ refusal to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts as a violation of sporting spirit.

Sources said Cheema confronted the match referee after the game, arguing that the incident was against the spirit of cricket. Pycroft, a Zimbabwean official, reportedly responded that the move had been made at the request of others.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha also boycotted the post-match presentation ceremony in protest. Team officials claimed his absence was linked to the fact that the ceremony’s presenter was Indian.

Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson defended the team’s reaction, calling it a “natural response” to the situation.

The PCB spokesperson added that even at the toss, both captains had refrained from shaking hands at the referee’s request.

The incident has drawn attention to the political and sporting tensions that often overshadow cricket matches between Pakistan and India.