Former Umpire Clarifies Handshake Protocol in Cricket Amidst Asia Cup Controversy: Was it Mandatory?

Former international umpire Anil Chaudhary claims the Pakistan Cricket Board's recent controversies during the Asia Cup, including boycott threats, disputes with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, and the handshake row with India, were attempts to divert attention following Pakistan's loss to India in Dubai on September 19.The controversy ignited when the Indian team chose not to shake hands with Pakistan players after their 7-wicket victory in Dubai. Pakistan responded by withdrawing from the post-match presentation with skipper Salman Agha absent.India's decision was connected to strained relations between the nations following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists on April 22.The situation escalated when PCB filed a complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of violating ICC Code of Conduct and MCC laws regarding cricket's spirit. The ICC rejected Pakistan's request.The PCB then threatened to withdraw from their crucial match against the UAE. The drama continued when Pakistan's team refused to leave their hotel in Dubai's Marina area for their must-win game against the UAE, demanding Pycroft's removal.The team eventually arrived at the stadium after receiving management clearance, but the game was delayed by an hour.Is shaking hands in ICC's rulebook?ICC's Code of Conduct for Match Officials and Match Official Support Personnel in this matter reads, "NOTE: Article 2.1.1 is intended to cover all types of conduct of a minor nature that is contrary to the spirit of the game and which is not specifically and adequately covered by the specific offences set out elsewhere in this Code of Conduct. The spirit of the game may be defined by reference to the Preamble to the Laws of Cricket and involves respect for, amongst others, (a) the role of the umpires and (b) the game and its traditional values."At no point in the rulebook, for players or officials, does it say that shaking hands is mandatory."I think that after losing the match, it was a part of turning things around. Otherwise, in any law book, in any ICC's playing conditions, there is nothing in writing. I understand the shake hand controversy you are referring to, the handshake started about 15-20 years ago. The captain used to shake hands before. So, I think all that is unnecessarily created, and there is no need for it," Chaudhary told news agency ANI."I think the people who complained also knew that there was no point in doing this in the field. And you can't do this. I don't know who their administrators were, what they did, but by doing this, they will know that nothing is going to happen," Chaudhary added.Pakistan had also cancelled their pre-match press conference on Tuesday, though they held a practice session before the UAE clash."All these are unnecessary things. He is a seasoned and old referee from the ICC elite panel. He is a very well-known player of Zimbabwe, and his track record is so good," Chaudhary said about Pycroft.