The Asia Cup 2025 is not merely a cricket game anymore. Both the ICC and PCB are gearing up for another confrontation. Following days of intense back-and-forth over the so-called handshake-gate, the ICC is said to be moving towards disciplining the PCB over the release of footage in a restricted zone.
It is a controversial issue due to a brief video uploaded on social media by the PCB. In it, match referee Andy Pycroft apologises to Pakistan’s team management. The video was purportedly shot in the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) before a Pakistani match with the UAE, where press freedom is seriously controlled.
As the ICC investigates whether the PCB breached its code by recording the meeting without authorisation, the board is adamant that its media manager has access to the PMOA. It emphasises that no audio of the conversation was aired. The local media have also taken that line, labelling the ICC’s position as overblown.
Nevertheless, sanctions might even be considered when the ruling body decides that PCB did not handle the footage. The problem further intensifies the strained relationship between the PCB and the ICC whereby Pakistan previously insisted that Pycroft be removed because of his perceived contribution of telling the captains not to shake hands with one another.
In the meantime, the saga still dominates cricket, with administrative issues playing the main role in what is supposed to be the biggest tournament in Asia.
