ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday suspended its Director International Usman Wahla for failing to take timely action against the match referee and the Indian team’s conduct during the Asia Cup.
Sources privy to the matter said Wahla faced disciplinary action for not responding promptly to the behavior of the Indian team and referee Andy Pycroft, who allegedly prevented players from shaking hands after the match.
PCB chairman’s response
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed strong disappointment over the incident, stressing that the country’s dignity remains the board’s top priority.
“For me, there is nothing more important than my country. The honor and dignity of Pakistan cannot be compromised,” Naqvi said.
The controversy erupted after the Indian players reportedly refused to shake hands with Pakistan’s team following their Asia Cup clash.
PCB’s protest letter to ICC and MCC
Earlier, PCB formally complained to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), accusing referee Andy Pycroft of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws of Cricket.
The board described his directive as a “serious violation” of the spirit of the game and an act that undermined cricket’s integrity. According to PCB’s letter, Pycroft had told Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha before the toss that there would be “no handshake,” while also instructing the media team not to record the matter.
