PCB Preparing to Lodge Complaints with ICC against Suryakumar Yadav for “Political Statement”

Manas Dasgupta

NEW DELHI, Sept 18: After forced to eat its own words and continue to participate in the on-going Asia Cup tournament in Dubai, Pakistan is learnt to be preparing to lodge another complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against the Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav for making, what it claimed, “a political statement on a sporting platform” after inflicting a humiliating defeat on Pakistan in the first round match on September 14.

After much drama during the course of the day on Wednesday, Pakistani cricket team, which had threatened to walk out of the Asia Cup if the match referee Andy Pycroft was not removed in its match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), agreed to play the match despite that the ICC had rejected its demand and Pycroft continued to officiate in the match against UAE. The only saving grace the ICC provided to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was that it arranged a meeting between the Pakistan captain, team manager, and Mr Pycroft in the referee’s room.

During the meeting, Mr Pycroft expressed regret if any miscommunication had occurred but emphasised that he had only relayed a message from the venue manager and had not violated the Code of Conduct in any way. Incidentally, the meeting was arranged on the suggestion of Mr Pycroft himself and not at the demand of the PCB. Pakistan was in any case way of boycotting the Asia Cup for fearing of facing a huge financial loss and sanctions from the ICC.

But soon after, in a fresh twist to the “handshake-gate” saga, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering a formal complaint against Suryakumar Yadav. The PCB is said to be upset over Suryakumar’s post-match comments, where he dedicated India’s 7-wicket win to “our armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor” and expressed solidarity with families affected by the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The PCB viewed Yadav’s remarks at the post match presentation as a political statement made on a sporting platform, which they believe violated the spirit of the game.

Adding to the tension, Pakistan players were reportedly left bruised after the Indian team refused to exchange pleasantries before and after the match-an act traditionally seen as a gesture of goodwill and sportsmanship. Former PCB Chairman and ex-Pakistan captain Rameez Raja voiced his concerns publicly, stating, “My biggest objection was what was said in the post-match presentation by Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav. That editorial was the critical point.”

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given the PCB until Sunday to file an official complaint, should they choose to proceed. With the next India vs Pakistan showdown scheduled for September 21, the rivalry is heating up beyond the boundary ropes. What was meant to be a celebration of cricket is now overshadowed by diplomatic undertones and rising tensions. All eyes will be on the ICC’s response-and on how both teams carry themselves in the next encounter.

On Wednesday hours before Pakistan took the field against UAE in the crucial match that would throw up the second team after India to qualify for the Super 4 round, Pakistan withdrew its pull-out threat claiming that it had received an “apology” from match referee Andy Pycroft, who was retained by the ICC despite the country’s repeated demand for his removal.

That Pycroft would remain match referee was communicated to PCB chairman and Asian Cricket Council head Mohsin Naqvi by ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta in a conference call. The ICC maintained that the Zimbabwean would remain in charge as he had followed all the rules and regulations. Pakistan had held Pycroft responsible for the embarrassment it faced after Salman and Suryakumar did not exchange a handshake or their team sheets during the toss on Sunday. The PCB alleged that Pycroft had prohibited Salman from shaking hands with Suryakumar and told the two captains not to exchange team sheets.

The ICC sources on Thursday revealed what transpired behind the scenes. On 15th September, the ICC received an email from the PCB highlighting what it described as an “incident” at the toss during the India vs. Pakistan match on September 14. In its communication, the PCB alleged that Mr Pycroft’s conduct was in violation of the Spirit of Cricket and the ICC Code of Conduct, and requested that he be withdrawn from his duties in the Asia Cup.

The ICC immediately conducted a review. The review concluded that Mr Pycroft had acted entirely in accordance with the ICC Code of Conduct and the Spirit of Cricket. He had simply conveyed to both captains the instructions he had received from tournament organisers, with the objective of preserving the sanctity of the toss and avoiding any potential embarrassment arising from information asymmetry. These findings were formally shared with the PCB.

Despite this, the PCB maintained its position, continuing to allege violations and informing the ICC of its unwillingness to take the field with Mr Pycroft as match referee. The ICC reiterated its findings to the PCB, making it clear that there were no grounds for either the removal or reassignment of Mr Pycroft. The ICC also received a request from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to reassign Mr Pycroft. This request was reviewed and rejected on the same grounds, consistent with the position already communicated to the PCB.

Subsequently, on 17 September, the ICC received another email from the PCB requesting a formal inquiry into alleged Code of Conduct violations during the India vs. Pakistan match on 14 September and subsequent incidents. The ICC responded by requesting that the PCB provide specific evidence to demonstrate any violation. The ICC is awaiting further information in this regard.

Meanwhile, the former India captain Kapil Dev lashed out at the Pakistani team and board for stoking controversy after the no-handshake saga stressing they should focus on the game and tournament instead of making “wrong statements.”

Kapil reckoned that handshakes were a mere customary norm in cricket and not part of the laws, so it was entirely a personal choice of the Indian team whether to shake hands. The 1983 World Cup-winning captain was also left furious at the drama surrounding the handshake and Pycroft since Sunday and warned Pakistan of a controversy.

Kapil Dev said, “There are all small things. One should focus on playing cricket. If someone does not want to shake hands, there is no need to make a big issue out of it for both sides. It is not right to give wrong statements, but some cricketers give statements that become controversial…Pakistan did not play good cricket; they need to work on it. It is one’s personal choice whether they want to shake hands or hug.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has called on his team to sharpen their batting in the middle overs as they gear up for a high-stakes Asia Cup Super-Four clash against India on September 21. His comments came after Pakistan’s 41-run victory over the UAE, a result that sealed their place in the next stage of the tournament but did little to hide the batting frailties that continue to dog the side.

“We got the job done but we needed to bat better in the middle overs,” Agha said after the game. “The bowlers did well. We haven’t batted to our best yet. If we batted well, we would have ended up with 170-180. Shaheen is a match winner. His batting has improved. Abrar has been outstanding. He is someone who is bringing us back into the games. We are ready for any challenge. If we play good cricket, we can be good against any side.”