Post India-Pak handshake controversy, match referee Andy Pycroft receives rousing welcome in first Test against West Indies

Andy Pycroft, who was the match referee and the centre of last month's Asia Cup handshake controversy between India and Pakistan, got a rousing cheer when he took charge of the first India vs West Indies Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Presenter and former cricketer Ravi Shastri introduced Pycroft. “Back in the house all the way from Dubai in the hot seat, Andy Pycroft."

Pycroft had asked captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Agha to not shake hands after the toss in the first India vs Pakistan match on September 14. It sparked a massive dispute with Pakistan Cricket Board calling for his immediate removal and even threatening to pull out from the Asia Cup.


The row escalated in Pakistan’s subsequent game against the UAE, which was delayed due to last-minute discussions with the ICC before Pakistan finally agreed to take the field.

In the Test first Test, Shubman Gill began his home stint as Team India's Test captain.

West Indies won the toss and decided to bat first.

“We have got four Tests (at home) before the end of the year and we would like to win all four. Preparation has been good. Everyone is in great touch, it is about getting into the red-ball mindset. It looks like a very good surface. Not disappointed with losing the toss, it has been under covers and there might be some help early on,” Gill said at toss.

"We have two seamers - Bumrah and Siraj, three spinners - Jaddu Bhai, Washington and Kuldeep, and allrounder Nitish Reddy."