The PCB has now sent a second letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) demanding that Pycroft be replaced by Richie Richardson for the team's remaining matches. However, as of now, the ICC has not accepted the request
Despite Pakistan’s strong objections, Pycroft remains assigned to officiate what could be a must-win game for the Men in Green (Photo: AFP)
Match referee Andy Pycroft will oversee Wednesday's crucial group-stage encounter between Pakistan and the UAE in the Asia Cup 2025, despite uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the remainder of the tournament, news agency PTI reported.
The controversy stems from an incident during Pakistan’s previous match against India, where Indian players, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. The handshake snub, according to Suryakumar, was a symbolic tribute to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the Indian Armed Forces’ retaliatory Operation Sindoor.
In response, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha boycotted the post-match presentation, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) squarely blamed Pycroft for the diplomatic fallout. The PCB claimed that the Zimbabwean referee had instructed Salman not to engage in the customary handshake and also barred the exchange of team sheets.
The PCB has now sent a second letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) demanding that Pycroft be replaced by Richie Richardson for the team's remaining matches. However, as of now, the ICC has not accepted the request.
Despite Pakistan’s strong objections, Pycroft remains assigned to officiate what could be a must-win game for the Men in Green. Should Pakistan withdraw, the UAE will be awarded full points, a move that could potentially end Pakistan's campaign and cost the PCB an estimated USD 16 million in financial losses.
The initial complaint submitted by the PCB accused Pycroft of failing to uphold the spirit of the game and creating a hostile environment between the two sides. Citing Article 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Match Officials, the board argued that Pycroft’s behavior was contrary to cricket’s values and traditions.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s leading daily 'Dawn' quoted a PCB source alleging that Pycroft had acted under instructions from the BCCI. According to the report, Pakistan team director Naveed Akram Cheema raised the issue with tournament director Andy Russell, who allegedly confirmed the influence.
With political undertones escalating the controversy, the standoff now places the Asian Cricket Council, chaired by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, in an awkward position, as both a participant and a governing body representative.
(With PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
