Our Bureau
New Delhi
The “No Handshake” controversy has taken over the Asia Cup 2025 as everyone around is talking about how the Indian team refused to shake hands with the Pakistani players. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had launched several complaints to the International Cricket Council (ICC) demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing tournament however, their request was rejected.
Indian cricket legend and World Cup winner, Madan Lal has stated that Pakistan’s demand of removing Pycroft was not genuine. He stated that PCB is taking these decisions because there is too much interference there and people aren’t watchful of taking certain decision which they should be at international level
“Pakistan have surrendered because their demand was not genuine. First of all, why should we shake hands with them, it is not mentioned in any rulebook. Secondly, why should match referee Andy Pycroft be sacked. Pakistan have so many people interfering in one matter and if you see the condition of PCB, there’s no board. They take a decision just like that and that’s not right because at international level, you have to be extremely sure whenever you take any decision,” Madan Lal said.
He also spoke on how Pakistan was threatening to boycott the tournament and stated that they were the ones who would be suffering if they didn’t play. The legendary cricketer even highlighted the condition of Pakistan cricket and how it has worsened in recent years.
He said, “If you are not going to play, then who will suffer? You are going to suffer. If Pakistan would have boycotted the match against UAE, they would have caused an irreparable damage to their cricket.”
“Look at the condition of their country. They are suffering from everything now. They had such talented cricketers but look at their team for the last five-six years. The current team which is playing now has no class at all. The way they have batted, I have never seen any Pakistan team batting like that,” he added.
