The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reinstated its Director of International Cricket, Usman Wahla. He had been removed after the high-profile handshake controversy during the Asia Cup in Dubai.
Wahla’s return became clear when he attended a departmental heads’ meeting in Lahore earlier this week. The meeting focused on preparations for Pakistan’s upcoming series against South Africa. His presence confirmed his restoration to official duties.
How The Controversy Began
The incident started on September 14 during the Pakistan–India match in Dubai. Match referee Andy Pycroft reportedly instructed both captains not to hold the traditional handshake before the toss.
After India’s seven-wicket victory, captain Suryakumar Yadav led his players off the field. The Indian squad went straight to the dressing room, leaving the Pakistan team waiting for the customary post-match handshake.
The decision angered Pakistan’s players. They expressed their displeasure by boycotting the closing ceremony. Captain Salman Ali Agha declined an interview with an Indian presenter. Shaheen Shah Afridi reluctantly accepted the “Most Sixes Award” only after guidance from team officials, including Wahla.
Pcb’s Formal Response
The Pakistan Cricket Board filed official complaints with both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The board argued that the referee’s directive violated the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC’s laws.
The PCB also called for Pycroft’s removal. In response, Pycroft apologized to Pakistan’s players for preventing the handshake before the toss.
Still, there was internal criticism over how the matter was handled. The protest to the ICC was delayed, and the responsibility for the delay was placed on Usman Wahla. As a result, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi suspended him shortly after the tournament.
Return of Wahla
Despite the earlier suspension, the Pakistan Cricket Board has now reinstated Wahla. No action was taken against team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, who was also involved in the episode.
Wahla’s reinstatement highlights the board’s shifting priorities. With the South Africa series approaching, the PCB seems to value his experience and stability over previous frustrations.
Wider Fallout From The Asia Cup
The handshake issue was only one of several tensions during the Asia Cup. India defeated Pakistan in the final, but the post-match ceremony created new disagreements.
Indian players did not accept the trophy directly from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Instead, the trophy remained in Dubai with ACC officials.
The issue resurfaced in a later ACC meeting. Reports suggested that BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla demanded the trophy be sent to India. Naqvi refused, insisting the winning captain should collect it personally from ACC headquarters.
This dispute highlighted deeper divisions within the ACC. Pakistan and Bangladesh appeared aligned together, while India and Sri Lanka stood on the opposite side. Afghanistan reportedly shifted between the two groups. Naqvi’s position within the council also faced challenges, with talk of a no-confidence motion against him.
What Wahla’s Return Means
The reinstatement of Usman Wahla signals that the Pakistan Cricket Board is aiming for continuity during a crucial period. The upcoming season is packed with challenges, and stable leadership will be essential.
The PCB faces both internal management concerns and external diplomatic tensions in regional cricket. Bringing Wahla back may help the board prepare effectively for the South Africa series and maintain consistency in its international dealings.
His return shows that the PCB values experienced administrators as it navigates a complex cricketing landscape. The Asia Cup controversy may have hurt relations, but the focus now shifts to upcoming fixtures and long-term stability.
