The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially rejected PCB’s demand to replace match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, which was reportedly conveyed to the PCB last night.
The communication is reportedly sent by the ICC operations or legal department, making it clear that the Match Referee had no role in the handshake controversy during the IND-PAK match in Dubai on Sunday.
The PCB pointed out that Pycroft asked Pakistan captain Salman Agha to avoid shaking hands with the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav at the toss, questioning the neutrality of the match official.
However, the ICC has reason denying Pycroft relayed to Salman Agha what was conveyed to him by the ACC officials on the ground, thereby clearing the air and refuting Pakistan’s contention that the match referee was action on behalf of the Indian team.
The development has put focus on Pakistan-UAE clash where Andy Pycroft is set to officiate the match.
It is not clear that if the ACC, headed by PCB president Mohsin Naqvi can attempt to change the match referee for the Pakistan-UAE game, but normally all the appointments of the match officials – umpires and match referees are done by the ICC.
When contacted, the PCB has denied receiving any communication from the ICC. Pakistan’s final group stage will be against UAE on September 17 at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai.
