NEW DELHI: Amid the handshake controversy, which the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has blown out of proportion, former captain Rashid Latif gave his board a reality check, stating that the PCB's stance of targeting match referee Andy Pycroft instead of addressing the actual issue backfired.

Latif pointed out that under the code of conduct, 'handshake issue' cannot be treated as a breach of conduct.

"A handshake was necessary. It's a tradition that has continued over the years. When we used to play, there was tension even back then. Even in those times, despite the tension, we used to visit each other's rooms - and players still do that. They must still be doing it now as well," he said.

The PCB filed a complaint with the ICC against match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging that he instructed captains Salman Ali Agha and Suryakumar Yadav to skip the customary handshake at the toss.

However, Latif argued that the PCB's case against Pycroft was misplaced, citing past ICC precedents involving Usman Khawaja and Moeen Ali. In 2014, Moeen was warned for wearing wristbands with slogans like 'Save Gaza' and 'Free Palestine', while in 2023 Khawaja received a reprimand for wearing a black armband in support of the people of Gaza.

"Now, coming to Andy Pycroft - when a case goes forward, you need evidence. You need by-laws. In the by-laws, section 2.1.1, it is nowhere written that a handshake is mandatory. So what stance can we even take there?," Latif said.

"Where PCB should have raised the issue, they didn't. In 2023, Moeen Ali and Usman Khawaja were fined 25 percent and reprimanded that they cannot display logos supporting Palestine or Gaza Strip, and that they cannot use religious or political banners. This is the issue PCB should have raised.

"Andy Pycroft is not the issue. The issue is that military matters were mentioned, political statements were made, and talk of attacks was done. This is what PCB should have raised. ICC would support them in this regard.

"A handshake is just a gesture, not a rule. In a case, you need evidence," he said.