PCB suspends Usman Wahla over Asia Cup handshake controversy

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has suspended Director International Usman Wahla over the recent handshake controversy during the Asia Cup clash between Pakistan and India in Dubai.

Citing sources, media reports said that Wahla faced disciplinary action for failing to effectively handle the situation after Indian players and match referee Andy Pycroft allegedly prevented the customary post-match handshake.

Naqvi voiced his frustration over the episode, stressing that the board would not tolerate any act that disrespects the country.

“For me, there is nothing more important than my country. The honor and dignity of Pakistan cannot be compromised,” he said.

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The matter came to light after reports surfaced that Indian players declined to shake hands with the Pakistani side following the high-pressure game.

The PCB had earlier lodged an official complaint with both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). In its complaint, the board accused Pycroft of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC Laws of Cricket.

Calling his actions a “serious violation” of the spirit of the game, PCB alleged that Pycroft informed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha before the toss that “there would be no handshake” and further directed the media team not to record the development.