Amid the ongoing debate surrounding the India vs Pakistan post-match handshake controversy at the Asia Cup 2025, former ICC umpire Anil Chaudhary has clarified that handshakes are not compulsory under the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Code of Conduct. His remarks come in response to Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft and India’s decision to skip the customary handshake after their seven-wicket win in Dubai.
Speaking to ANI, Chaudhary dismissed the controversy as “unnecessary” and politically motivated, stating that there is no written rule in ICC’s playing conditions mandating handshakes. He emphasized that the tradition of handshakes began only 15–20 years ago and has never been codified as a requirement.
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What Anil Chaudhary Said About Handshake Rules
| Statement | Context |
|---|---|
| “There is nothing in writing.” | On ICC’s official playing conditions |
| “The handshake started about 15–20 years ago.” | On the origin of the tradition |
| “It’s unnecessarily created.” | On the PCB’s complaint and boycott threats |
| “No law book mandates it.” | On the legal standing of post-match gestures |
Chaudhary defended match referee Andy Pycroft, calling him an experienced official with a stellar track record, and accused the PCB of politicizing the issue to divert attention from their defeat.
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Timeline of the Handshake Controversy
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 14, 2025 | India defeats Pakistan by 7 wickets in Asia Cup Group A |
| Post-match | Indian players skip handshake, citing national sentiment |
| September 15 | PCB lodges complaint against Andy Pycroft |
| September 16 | ICC refuses to take action, citing no breach of rules |
| September 17 | Pakistan delays arrival for UAE match, demands Pycroft’s removal |
| September 18 | Anil Chaudhary comments on ICC Code of Conduct |
The controversy overshadowed India’s dominant performance and sparked heated debates on sportsmanship and political symbolism.
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ICC Code of Conduct: What It Actually Says
| ICC Provision | Relevance to Handshake |
|---|---|
| Preamble – Spirit of Cricket | Encourages mutual respect and sportsmanship |
| Article 2.1.1 | Lists “conduct contrary to the spirit of the game” as a Level 1 offence |
| Post-match Protocols | No mandatory handshake clause |
| Match Referee Discretion | Applies only to on-field conduct and disciplinary issues |
While the ICC promotes gestures of goodwill, it does not enforce handshakes as a legal requirement, making the PCB’s complaint largely symbolic.
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Political and Cultural Context Behind India’s Decision
| Factor | Influence |
|---|---|
| Pahalgam Terror Attack | 26 Indian tourists killed on April 22, 2025 |
| Government Directive | BCCI aligned with national sentiment, advised restraint |
| Team Statement | Suryakumar Yadav cited solidarity with victims |
| Public Sentiment | Strong support for India’s stance across social media |
India’s decision to skip the handshake was seen as a symbolic protest against cross-border terrorism, rather than a breach of cricketing etiquette.
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Reactions from Cricketing Community
| Stakeholder | Response |
|---|---|
| PCB | Lodged formal protest, threatened boycott |
| ICC | Declined action, reaffirmed Pycroft’s role |
| Anil Chaudhary | Called issue “avoidable and political” |
| Fans | Divided opinions; many supported India’s stance |
| Former Players | Mixed views on balancing protocol and national sentiment |
The incident has reignited discussions on the role of sports in geopolitics and the limits of symbolic gestures.
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Historical Perspective: Handshakes in Cricket
| Era | Practice |
|---|---|
| Pre-2000s | No formal handshake tradition |
| 2000s Onward | Captains and players began post-match handshakes |
| ICC Tournaments | Encouraged but not enforced |
| COVID-19 Period | Handshakes suspended, replaced by fist bumps or nods |
| Current | Optional gesture, varies by team and context |
The handshake tradition has evolved organically and remains a courtesy rather than a codified rule.
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Conclusion: Handshakes Are Optional, Not Obligatory in Cricket
Former ICC umpire Anil Chaudhary’s clarification has put to rest the debate over whether handshakes are mandatory in cricket. His assertion that “no law book mandates it” aligns with the ICC’s own stance, confirming that post-match gestures are symbolic and not enforceable.
As cricket continues to intersect with politics and public sentiment, the handshake controversy serves as a reminder that sportsmanship is not defined by a single gesture. Respect, integrity, and context matter more than ritual. And in this case, the rules are clear: handshakes are encouraged—but never compulsory.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews, verified ICC documents, and media reports. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, sporting, or diplomatic advice. All interpretations are subject to official clarification and updates.
