Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has launched a fiery attack on ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, questioning his impartiality in the ongoing Asia Cup handshake controversy.

His remarks came after the explosive fallout of the Pakistan-India clash on September 14, where a traditional handshake was skipped, sparking outrage across the cricketing world.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Raja said Pycroft seemed to be a “fixture” in India’s matches. “What’s interesting is that Andy Pycroft is always there. Whenever I hosted tosses, he was a permanent figure,” Raja said, adding that statistics showed Pycroft had officiated in more than 90 matches involving India.

“This looks one-sided. This is supposed to be a neutral platform, but it doesn’t feel like it. I hope better sense prevails,” he added.

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The controversy erupted after Pycroft reportedly instructed both captains not to shake hands before and after the Pakistan-India game. Following widespread criticism, the match referee personally apologised to Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and the team manager, calling the incident a “miscommunication.”

Meanwhile, the ICC has signaled willingness to investigate the matter further, raising questions about the credibility of officiating at high-profile tournaments.

Tensions escalated when Indian players refrained from the post-match handshake tradition. While they congratulated each other in the dugout, they avoided acknowledging the Pakistan side and even closed their dressing room doors. Pakistan’s players, already lined up for the exchange, were left waiting awkwardly.

Indian skipper Suryakumar defended the move, stating it was done under instructions from his board and government.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also leads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), condemned the episode, calling it against the “spirit of the game.” In protest, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha refused to attend the post-match presentation ceremony, breaking from broadcast norms where captains are required to speak.