Pakistan Demands Removal of Match Referee After India Clash, ICC Rejects Request
Islamabad – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), calling for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup following the handshake controversy during Pakistan’s clash with India.
The high-voltage fixture saw unusual scenes from the very start, with both captains skipping the traditional handshake at the toss. The PCB claims that Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands, a directive they say violated the spirit of cricket and the MCC’s code of conduct.
“No handshakes were exchanged before or after the match, which is a direct violation of the game’s spirit and long-standing traditions,” the PCB said in its letter, adding that Pycroft “failed to fulfil his responsibilities as match referee.”
Despite PCB’s demand, the ICC has formally rejected the request. Sources say the ICC clarified that officials on the ground had informed Pycroft that no handshake would take place at the toss. “The ICC letter cleared the air and refuted Pakistan’s belief that the match referee was acting on behalf of the Indian team,” the report noted.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Pycroft is unlikely to officiate in any further matches involving Pakistan during the tournament and will be replaced by West Indian referee Richie Richardson.
Boycott Threat Looms
Earlier, Pakistan had reportedly considered boycotting the remaining fixtures unless the ICC replaced the match referee. PCB insiders stressed that the board’s continued participation in the tournament depends on corrective measures by the ICC.
The standoff now casts uncertainty over Pakistan’s upcoming matches. The team is set to face the UAE in a must-win game to secure a spot in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup.
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