ICC Rejects PCB’s Demand to Remove Match Referee Andy Pycroft from Asia Cup
Dubai, Sep 16 (Tattvam News Today): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from officiating in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
The PCB had formally lodged a complaint, alleging that Pycroft instructed Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with India’s stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav during the toss of their high-voltage Asia Cup clash on Sunday.
An ICC source confirmed to media, “Late last night, ICC had sent a reply to PCB stating that Pycroft won’t be removed and their plea has been rejected.”
PCB’s Complaint Against Pycroft
The controversy erupted when the PCB accused Pycroft of “inappropriate conduct” at the toss, claiming it undermined sportsmanship between the two rival teams. The Pakistan board demanded immediate action, pressing for Pycroft’s removal from the referee panel for the remainder of the tournament.
However, the ICC dismissed the allegations, stating that no breach of conduct had occurred, and ruled out any change in the match official panel.
ICC’s Firm Stand
The decision signals ICC’s intent to maintain consistency in officiating, despite PCB’s strong objections. Sources suggest that the governing body found no evidence supporting the PCB’s claim and emphasized that match referees follow established protocols.
Indo-Pak Rivalry Adds Fuel
The complaint gained traction as the Pakistan–India rivalry remains one of the most intense in world cricket. The Asia Cup clash on Sunday drew massive viewership and was already under scrutiny for its political and sporting significance.
What’s Next?
With the ICC’s rejection, Pycroft is expected to continue his role in the Asia Cup, overseeing matches as originally appointed. The PCB has not yet announced whether it will escalate the matter further. However, PCB is likely to take a U-turn from its earlier stance of boycotting the tournament if the referee was not removed.
According to reliable PCB sources, “It is very unlikely that the PCB will pull out of the Asia Cup. If we do that, the ICC, led by Jay Shah, will impose heavy sanctions on us, and this is something our board cannot afford. The financial situation after the Champions Trophy, where all stadiums were renovated, is already strained.”
