The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a strong warning to the International Cricket Council (ICC), demanding the immediate removal of controversial match referee Andy Pycroft.
The board said Pakistan will not play today’s Asia Cup match with UAE if its request is ignored.
In a letter to the ICC, the PCB dismissed the inquiry against Pycroft as a “drama,” claiming it was biased and lacked credibility.
The board said no witnesses were consulted and accused the ICC of having no real intention to act against the referee. According to the PCB, Pycroft “got involved in politics” by advising captains not to shake hands before the toss in Pakistan’s clash with India.
Handshake controversy
The dispute began during the September 14 match between Pakistan and India, when Pycroft reportedly told Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav.
After India’s victory, the situation worsened as Indian players Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube left the field without handshakes, while Pakistan’s squad later approached their rivals’ dressing room to fulfill the tradition. India shut the door, rejecting the customary gesture.
In protest, Pakistan’s captain also skipped the post-match ceremony.
ICC’s rejection and Pakistan’s threat
Earlier this week, the ICC officially rejected the PCB’s demand to replace Pycroft, conveying the decision in a formal letter.
The ICC argued that Pycroft was following Asian Cricket Council (ACC) instructions regarding handshakes at the toss and denied he acted on behalf of India.
However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the ACC, called Pycroft’s actions a breach of cricketing protocol and reiterated Pakistan’s demand for his removal.
PCB insiders confirmed that Pakistan may withdraw from the Asia Cup 2025 if Pycroft remains as referee. If Pakistan forfeits today’s fixture in Dubai, sources say the UAE would automatically progress in the tournament, eliminating Pakistan.
Currently, Pakistan and UAE are tied on two points in Group A, making the upcoming match crucial for qualification.
