The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to replace match referee Andy Pycroft in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. The decision was formally shared with the PCB last night. This is now the ICC’s final word on the matter.
The PCB was reportedly upset with Pycroft after he told Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with the Indian skipper during the toss. But the ICC explained that Pycroft was only following instructions passed on by ACC officials, who had decided there would be no handshake at the toss.
In its letter, the ICC dismissed Pakistan’s concerns and clarified that the match referee was not acting on behalf of the Indian team.
The issue began during the toss in the Pakistan vs India match. According to the PCB, referee Andy Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with India skipper Suryakumar Yadav, which angered the PCB, who felt the referee was favouring India.
However, the ICC clarified that Pycroft was simply following instructions from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) officials at the venue. The ACC had already decided that no handshakes would take place at the toss, and Pycroft was only relaying this message. The ICC said that he was not acting on India’s behalf.
The controversy intensified after the match when Indian players were seen avoiding handshakes with the Pakistan team. This further frustrated the PCB, prompting them to accuse Pycroft of violating the “Code of Conduct” and demand his removal from the tournament.