The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) not to assign Andy Pycroft as the match referee for the upcoming home series against South Africa scheduled in October.

PCB writes to ICC over match referee

According to sources, the PCB has written a letter to the ICC demanding that Pycroft be replaced with another official for the series. The board has raised concerns over Pycroft’s past conduct, alleging that he has shown partiality in previous assignments.

Ministry of Interior restrictions

The matter has also taken a diplomatic turn, as sources confirmed that the Ministry of Interior has banned Andy Pycroft from entering Pakistan. This ban further strengthens the PCB’s case for requesting a different match referee for the October series.

The upcoming Pakistan-South Africa series, which will be hosted in Pakistan in October, is set to draw significant attention.

Also Read: Pakistan threaten Asia Cup boycott over referee controversy

Earlier today, the PCB lodged a strong protest with the ICC and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft after he allegedly stopped the captains of Pakistan and India from shaking hands during the Asia Cup clash in Dubai.

According to PCB’s detailed letter, Pycroft told Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha before the toss that “there would be no handshake". He also instructed Pakistan’s media manager that the incident should not be recorded.

PCB’s protest letter

The letter, addressed to both ICC and MCC, accuses the referee of breaching cricket’s rules and spirit.

PCB described the incident as a “serious violation” of the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC rules.
The board alleged that Pycroft’s actions were “contrary to the spirit of the game” and damaged cricket’s integrity.
It stated that the match referee “did not fulfill his responsibility” and undermined one of the sport’s core traditions.

PCB’s team manager Naveed Akram Cheema formally raised objections with tournament director Andrew Russell after the match. According to the letter, Russell admitted that the directive had initially come from the Indian cricket board but was later clarified as “instructions from the Indian government.”

The PCB has also warned that it will not play any further matches in the ongoing Asia Cup if Andy Pycroft is not immediately removed from his duties.

Also Read: Ind vs Pak handshake row: PCB seeks referee Andy Pycroft’s removal

According to PCB sources, the board has raised a formal complaint with the ICC and MCC. The protest letter describes the referee’s actions as a “serious violation” of both the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws governing the Spirit of Cricket.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the protest on Twitter, saying the board had demanded Pycroft’s removal and called his conduct “damaging to the integrity of the game.”