The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially rejected Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to replace match referee Andy Pycroft during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
Why is PCB against Andy Pycroft? Here’s what they’re claiming
The controversy began during the toss in the Pakistan vs India match. The PCB claimed that referee Andy Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with India captain Suryakumar Yadav. The PCB accused Pycroft of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and demanded his removal from the tournament.
Yadav also skipped the customary post-match handshakes with the opposition, following recent border tensions between the two countries after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
“The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee Of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit Of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup,” Mohsin Naqvi, PCB and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). However, the post was later deleted.
Pakistan team manager Naved Cheema also lodged a complaint with the ACC, claiming that it was on Pycroft’s insistence that team sheets were not exchanged between the two captains on Sunday, as is normally done.
Pycroft is one of the most senior match referees on the ICC Elite Panel, having officiated 695 international matches across men’s and women’s cricket in all three formats.
ICC backs Pycroft
The ICC however explained that Pycroft was only following instructions from ACC officials at the venue. The ACC had decided beforehand that no handshakes would happen at the toss. ICC confirmed that Pycroft was not acting on India’s behalf.
Despite Pakistan’s protests, the ICC rejected their allegations. Pycroft will remain as match referee for upcoming matches, including Pakistan’s next game.
Pakistan threatens boycotting match against UAE
Reports suggest that Pakistan has threatened to boycott their Group A match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) if Pycroft is not removed. If Pakistan refuses to play, they will be eliminated from the Asia Cup 2025.
Currently, Pakistan and UAE both have two points in Group A. UAE’s recent win over Oman has put them level with Pakistan. A forfeit by Pakistan would give UAE the advantage and knock Pakistan out. Pakistan’s next match against UAE is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.