Amidst the still ongoing handshake-gate controversy in the India vs Pakistan Group A game in the Asia Cup 2025, it has been revealed that match referee Andy Pycroft, who was blamed by PCB in the aftermath, was informed that no handshake between the captains—Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha—was to happen, just four minutes before the toss happened.

As per the ESPNCricinfo report, the venue manager for the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) told Pycroft that the BCCI had notified the organization that the captains would not be shaking hands. It should be mentioned that the Indian government gave the BCCI permission to make this decision.

PCB officials contended that Pycroft ought to have notified the ICC about his request far earlier, once the Pakistani camp was made aware of it.

But Pycroft contended that he was pressed for time. In an apparent attempt to prevent an awkward situation, the top Zimbabwean official approached Pakistani captain Agha before the toss to let him know about the no-handshake incident.

PCB took offense to Pycroft’s conduct and complained to the ICC. They also demanded his removal from the remainder of the eight-team tournament; however, the ICC turned down the request.

The PCB said in a statement minutes before the Pakistan vs. UAE match began that Pycroft had apologized to the Pakistan coach and captain for "miscommunication."

A video, without any audio, of Pycroft's meeting with senior Pakistani management, which included the captain, coach, and team manager, was posted on social media by the PCB on Wednesday.

But it is obviously against the ICC's PMOA rules to film and distribute the video. The PCB has already received a letter from ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta regarding the Code of Conduct violation; it is unclear if any penalties or fines will be applied.

It should be noted that mobile phones are prohibited within the PMOA in accordance with the requirements of the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit.

On Sunday, September 21, at the Dubai International Stadium, Pakistan and India will meet again in the Asia Cup Super 4s stage. The no-handshake policy is likely to continue, and the customary post-match greeting between the two teams is also unlikely.