The Asia Cup 2025 has been full of exciting cricket, but India-Pakistan handshake drama has garnered most headlines, eclipsing on-field action. Following India's dominating seven-wicket victory against Pakistan at Dubai, the lack of post-match handshake generated a new controversy. PCB's Response and ICC's Position Pakistan stood firm in its reply. The players boycotted the post-match ceremony and even lodged a complaint with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft that India had acted against the "spirit of cricket." The complaint was rejected by the ICC, explaining that there is no written rule that requires handshakes. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took it to the next level by calling for Pycroft's ouster. They even threatened to boycott their subsequent Super Four match against the UAE, postponing the match by more than an hour before eventually taking to the field. Also Read | Kapil Dev tired of handshake drama, says it "personal choice" Anil Chaudhary on Handshake Controversy Former international umpire Anil Chaudhary labelled the controversy as more political than cricket. In a chat with ANI, he stated: "I think that after losing the match, it was a part of turning things around. Otherwise, in any law book, in any ICC playing conditions, there is nothing in writing." He also added that handshakes became a practice only in the last 15-20 years, mainly among captains. In his opinion, the situation was preventable. Chaudhary also added: "I think the people who complained also knew that there was no point in doing this in the field. By doing this, they will know that nothing is going to happen." He also came to the defense of Andy Pycroft, stating: "All these are unnecessary things. He is a very well-known player of Zimbabwe, and his track record is so good." Also Read | Pakistan Agrees to 'No-Handshake' Policy for Super Four Clash vs India Cricket Should Be the Focus While Pakistan made it to the Super Four after defeating the UAE, the cricketing action should have been the focus. However, politics has dominated since the handshake controversy. While players such as Shivam Dube and Suryakumar Yadav keep their eyes on the ball, the off-field action threatens to overshadow their performance. The Asia Cup 2025 has carried high emotions before and after the India and Pakistan clash. Yet, cricket experts and fans believe that the game should remain about skill, sportsmanship, and performances, rather than the being surrounded with the avoidable controversies.