All eyes on Andy Pycroft as Pakistan set to face UAE in do-or-die Asia Cup clash

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written another letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The PCB had urged the ICC to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the match official panels for the Asia Cup 2025.

“The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup,” wrote PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

However, the ICC didn’t find any evidence that showed that Pycroft was at fault. They believe all the match referee for the India vs Pakistan game did was inform Salman Ali Agha about their opposition’s decision to not shake hands. A decision Pycroft made to ensure Salman isn’t humiliated during the toss.

PCB adamant about Pycroft’s removal

But the PCB doesn’t agree with this assessment. They have threatened to pull out of the Pakistan and UAE game on September 17 and from the Asia Cup if the ICC doesn’t take swift action. Following rejection, PCB has written again. They believe ICC didn’t investigate the matter and only performed a formality. PCB stands firm that they’ll boycott the Asia Cup if Pycroft isn’t relieved from his duties.

“We have sent another letter to the ICC. We are not pleased with the response. All the aspects were not reviewed related to Andy Pycroft. The ICC’s response comes as a mere formality. Our stand is firm. Andy Pycroft cannot be the match referee,” a PCB insider told the Hindustan Times.

As things stand, Pakistan needs to beat the UAE to qualify for the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup. It seems PCB doesn’t have an issue with pulling out, even if it means getting eliminated. However, the decision can’t be taken easily. The board fears sanctions from the ICC and risks losing a big amount of money as well.

BCCI chimes in

Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman Arun Dhumal has no issue with PCB raising the issue with ICC. He understands that the handshake episode will be reviewed, and the ICC will take necessary action against Pycroft if necessary.

“The ICC will review any issues raised by Pakistan regarding the recent match, and if any official misconduct is found, appropriate action will be taken,” Dhumal stated.

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