Kapil Dev expresses displeasure regarding Pycroft handshake dispute; advises Pakistan to avoid questionable statements and concentrate on cricket.
Former India captain Kapil Dev has criticised Pakistan's team and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for creating a controversy over the no-handshake incident during the Asia Cup 2025. The incident, which occurred during the clash in Dubai, has since escalated into a major controversy.
The controversy deepened when Pakistan captain Salman Agha protested by skipping the post-match interview, and the PCB accused match referee Andy Pycroft of sparking the fiasco. The PCB even sought ICC's intervention and wrote scathing emails demanding the removal of Pycroft, but their plea was rejected by the ICC.
Kapil Dev expressed anger over the drama surrounding the handshake and Pycroft since Sunday and warned Pakistan of a potential controversy. He considered handshakes as a customary norm in cricket and not part of the laws, implying it was a personal choice of the Indian team whether to shake hands.
The former captain criticised Pakistan and the PCB for focusing on the handshake controversy instead of improving their cricket. He urged Pakistan to concentrate on their game rather than making "wrong statements" and stoking drama. He emphasised that the government would do its job and players should just focus on playing, recommending to stop making it a big issue.
The situation worsened when Pakistan players were instructed not to leave their hotel rooms for their match against UAE, causing an hour-long delay. This decision was met with criticism from both the cricket fraternity and the general public, further fuelling the controversy.
Despite the controversy, Kapil Dev emphasised that the focus should be on cricket and not on making "wrong statements." He urged both teams to put aside their differences and focus on the game, reminding them that the spirit of sportsmanship is an essential aspect of the game.
As the Asia Cup 2025 continues, it remains to be seen how both teams will handle the controversy and whether they can put aside their differences to focus on the game.
