PCB Shake-Up ‘Yet Again’ as Top Official Suspended Following Humbling Defeat to India

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended Usman Wahla, Director of International Cricket Operations, following the national team’s seven-wicket defeat to India in the 2025 Asia Cup. Reports in Pakistani media state that PCB, chaired by Mohsin Naqvi, held Wahla responsible for not acting promptly over the post-match handshake controversy.

During the match, India’s players, led by Suryakumar Yadav, refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. The Indian duo walked straight to the dressing room while the Pakistan team remained briefly on the field. PCB has alleged that match referee Andy Pycroft instructed Suryakumar and Pakistan captain Salman Agha that no handshakes would take place during the coin toss. The board has demanded ICC action against Pycroft, accusing him of breaching the international code of conduct.

An internal review conducted by Naqvi concluded that Wahla failed to address the issue effectively, compromising Pakistan’s position in matters of sportsmanship. Wahla, who also chairs the Pakistan Super League, has held his post for two years.

Following the incident, Salman Agha skipped the post-match presentation, while head coach Mike Hesson described India’s refusal as disappointing, calling Agha’s absence a “flow” and “effect” of the controversy. Reports suggest that Pakistan is considering boycotting its next match against the UAE if the ICC does not intervene, potentially jeopardizing their Super-Four stage qualification.