The Pakistan cricket team has escalated tensions off the field by filing a formal protest against India after their Asia Cup group-stage clash on September 14. According to PTI, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) complained to the Asian Cricket Council, claiming Indian players did not shake hands before or after the match.
The alleged “snub” began at the toss, when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refrained from shaking hands with Pakistan’s Salman Agha, a gesture that was also absent during the pre-tournament press conference.
Pakistan’s players were reportedly angered, with Agha going as far as boycotting the post-match presentation ceremony, an event traditionally attended by both captains.
Interestingly, reports suggest the match referee, Andy Pycroft, had advised Agha not to shake hands with Suryakumar before the toss — a detail that undermines Pakistan’s claim of unsportsmanlike conduct. Still, the PCB has framed the incident as India violating the “Spirit of Cricket.”