The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended its Director of International Cricket Operations Usman Wahla after the India–Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025. The decision came in the wake of a post-match handshake controversy.
According to sources close to the matter, Wahla was suspended by the PCB because he sent Shaheen Shah Afridi to collect the post-match award after the India–Pakistan game, despite the pacer resisting going to the presentation. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi made the decision after it was brought to his attention that it was Wahla who insisted Afridi collect the award.
Naqvi was also reportedly unhappy that Wahla delayed issuing an official statement for several hours regarding the handshake incident. Wahla, who joined the PCB in 2023, had previously served as Chairman of the Pakistan Super League and as Head of Cricket Operations.
It all started during the Group A match between the arch-rivals in Dubai on 14 September. India bowled out Pakistan for 127/9 and comfortably chased the target inside 16 over to secure a seven-wicket victory. Both captains avoided the traditional handshake at the toss. After the match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walked off without shaking hands with the Pakistan team. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the presentation in protest at the gesture.
During the post-match presentation, Suryakumar dedicated the win to the victims of the Pahalgam attack, stating:
“We stand with the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity and want to dedicate today’s win to the armed forces.”
Following the match, Pakistan lodged a formal complaint, accusing match referee Andy Pycroft of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and calling for his removal. However, the ICC dismissed the request, stating that the match referee was not at fault.
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