The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has escalated tensions following the Asia Cup clash with India by filing a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The grievance centers on missing post-match handshakes, which the PCB alleges were influenced by instructions from the Match Referee. The board has gone further by demanding the referee’s removal, citing breaches of both the ICC Code of Conduct and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Laws.

PCB Raises Formal Objection

According to the complaint, PCB officials argue that their captain was directed not to engage in customary handshakes after the high-profile encounter. The board views this as a serious violation of cricket’s spirit and established protocols, which emphasize respect and sportsmanship between competing teams.

Alleged Breach of ICC Code of Conduct

The PCB’s submission highlights what it considers a direct infringement of the ICC Code of Conduct. This code governs player and official behavior during international fixtures, ensuring that standards of fairness and respect are upheld. By allegedly instructing players to avoid handshakes, the Match Referee is accused of undermining these principles and setting a damaging precedent for future matches.

MCC Laws Cited in Complaint

In addition to referencing ICC regulations, the PCB has also invoked MCC Laws, which form the foundation of cricket’s rules worldwide. These laws not only cover technical aspects of play but also reinforce traditions such as sportsmanship and mutual acknowledgment between teams at the conclusion of a game. The PCB maintains that bypassing this ritual compromises cricket’s long-standing ethos.

Demand for Match Referee’s Removal

Central to the complaint is a call for disciplinary action against the Match Referee involved in the incident. The PCB has requested that he be removed from his duties, arguing that his conduct was inconsistent with both international standards and cricket’s cultural expectations. This demand underscores how seriously the board views what might otherwise appear as a symbolic gesture gone missing.

Impact on Asia Cup Atmosphere

The controversy adds another layer to an already intense rivalry between Pakistan and India on the cricket field. Handshakes at the end of matches are more than just formalities; they serve as visible demonstrations of mutual respect despite fierce competition. The absence of this gesture has therefore drawn heightened scrutiny and sparked debate about whether officials should be held accountable for influencing such traditions.

The PCB’s decision to escalate matters with an official complaint reflects its determination to protect both its players’ dignity and cricket’s broader values. While it remains to be seen how the ICC will respond, this episode highlights how even small symbolic acts can carry significant weight in international sport. At its core, the dispute underscores cricket’s reliance on shared customs that reinforce respect across rivalries, making their absence all the more noticeable when disrupted.