When Andy Pycroft, the match referee for the opening Test of the India vs West Indies 2025 Test series, stepped onto the field in Ahmedabad, the stadium erupted in cheers. Ravi Shastri, former cricketer turned presenter, grabbed the mic and announced, "Back in the house all the way from Dubai in the hot seat, Andy Pycroft!" The crowd roared, and even India’s captain Shubman Gill flashed a grin. The warm reception stood in stark contrast to the angry backlash Pycroft endured just weeks earlier when the Pakistan Cricket Board demanded his removal after he barred captains from shaking hands. Even the International Cricket Council was dragged into the controversy, as officials scrambled to keep the Asia Cup on track.
Background: The handshake row that shook Asian cricket
On September 14, 2024, Pycroft instructed India’s then‑captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Agha not to shake hands after the toss in Delhi. The directive, meant to enforce a neutral stance amid tense Indo‑Pak ties, instantly ignited a diplomatic firestorm. The PCB issued a formal complaint, calling the decision "unfair" and threatened to pull Pakistan out of the upcoming Asia Cup.
Pakistan’s next match against the United Arab Emirates was delayed while ICC officials held emergency talks. After a marathon session that stretched into the night, Pakistan finally agreed to take the field, but the episode left a sour taste across the sub‑continent’s cricketing community.
Day 1: On‑field action and early numbers
The first Test began under a clear sky at the Saurabh Chopra Stadium, with the West Indies winning the toss and opting to bat. The hosts were bundled out for 162 runs in 44.1 overs, thanks to disciplined Indian seamers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who shared eight wickets between them.
India’s reply was a cautious 121/2 at stumps, leaving them 41 runs behind. KL Rahul anchored the innings, unbeaten on 53 off 114 balls, striking six fours and maintaining a modest strike‑rate of 46.5. Captain Gill contributed 18 runs from 42 balls, his footwork indicating that the red‑ball mindset is already clicking.
The current partnership of 31 runs (79 balls) suggests that the Indian side is looking to grind out the deficit rather than launch a reckless assault. West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican bowled six economical overs, conceding just 21 runs without a wicket, keeping India’s scoring rate in check.
Reactions to Pycroft’s reception
Fans in Ahmedabad were visibly relieved to see the referee greeted with applause rather than jeers. Social‑media snippets showed stadium banners reading “Welcome Andy” and emojis flooding the hashtag #PycroftWelcome. Even rival fans from the West Indies camp posted videos of the cheering crowd, noting that the atmosphere felt “pure cricket” once again.
“It’s a relief,” said one long‑time ticket holder, who preferred to stay anonymous. “We love a good match, not political drama. Seeing Andy get a warm welcome tells me the fans still believe in the spirit of the game.”
Cricket analysts have pointed out that the shift in mood could ease diplomatic tensions ahead of the remaining three home Tests India has scheduled before the year ends. “If the crowd can separate the referee from the controversy, the boards might find common ground on field‑level issues,” noted Anjali Sharma, senior editor at *The Cricket Gazette*.
Implications for the rest of the series
India aims to win all four home Tests before the season closes, a goal that feels more attainable with the crowd’s backing. The psychological boost from a supportive audience can translate into tighter fielding and sharper batting judgments, especially on a surface described by Gill as “good for both pace and spin”.
For the West Indies, the early dismissal could be a wake‑up call. Their bowlers will need to exploit any early‑morning moisture, while batsmen must adapt to India’s spin trio – Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav – who have been in fine form during the recent series against England.
The PCB, meanwhile, is likely to monitor the situation closely. A continued positive reception for Pycroft might soften its stance, but the board has not yet issued a formal apology. The ICC’s role as a mediator could become pivotal if further disputes arise.
Looking ahead: What to expect in the next three Tests
Next up is the second Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, slated for October 3. Weather forecasts indicate a chance of rain on Day 1, potentially giving the West Indies a chance to bowl first. If India can bounce back from the modest Day 1 total, they could set a dominant target.
Beyond the Tests, the ongoing Asia Cup, scheduled for November, will feature Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The controversy that sparked the handshake row has already prompted the ICC to review its protocols for international handshakes, hinting at possible rule changes for future tournaments.
- Key fact: Andy Pycroft was barred from Pakistan’s handshake ceremony on September 14, 2024.
- Key fact: India trailed by 41 runs at the close of Day 1 in Ahmedabad.
- Key fact: KL Rahul top‑scored with 53* on a slow‑turning surface.
- Key fact: The crowd’s reaction marked a complete turnaround from earlier criticism.
- Key fact: Four home Tests are planned for India before the end of 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Pakistan Cricket Board demand Andy Pycroft’s removal?
The PCB argued that Pycroft’s instruction to prevent captains from shaking hands after the toss violated cricketing etiquette and singled out Pakistan in a politically sensitive moment, prompting them to call for his immediate removal.
How did the crowd’s reaction in Ahmedabad differ from earlier matches?
Unlike the boos and protests that greeted Pycroft in Delhi during the handshake row, the Ahmedabad audience cheered his arrival, waving banners and chanting his name – a clear sign they preferred focusing on the sport rather than politics.
What is the significance of India’s goal to win four home Tests this year?
Winning all four home Tests would cement India’s dominance in the longer format, boost ICC rankings, and build momentum ahead of the Asia Cup. It also serves as a morale booster for players and fans after the recent controversy.
Will the ICC change handshake protocols after this incident?
The ICC has announced an internal review of pre‑match protocols. While no official rule change is confirmed yet, officials hinted that future tournaments might emphasize a “neutral greeting” to avoid political entanglements.
How did West Indies perform in the first innings?
The West Indies were bundled out for 162 runs in 44.1 overs, with India’s pace attack claiming most wickets. Early breakthroughs from Bumrah and Siraj kept the scoring under control, setting the stage for a competitive second innings.
