Dubai, September 16, 2025: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly turned down the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup, Indian media reported on Tuesday.
According to the reports, the ICC formally conveyed its decision to the PCB late Monday, dismissing Pakistan’s claim that Pycroft had acted under pressure from the Indian team during Sunday’s high-profile Pakistan–India clash.
The PCB had lodged a formal complaint accusing Pycroft of violating the Spirit of Cricket by allegedly instructing both captains to avoid the customary handshake at the toss. The complaint also cited the absence of the traditional post-match handshake, which further fueled controversy.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that ICC match referee Richard Richardson may be appointed for Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures, though no official announcement has been made.
Earlier, sources indicated that Pakistan was even considering withdrawing from the tournament if its demand was not addressed, calling the coming hours “critical” for future deliberations. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is scheduled to meet senior government officials in Lahore later today to determine the board’s next course of action.
The issue erupted during the September 14 Asia Cup encounter when captains from both sides refrained from shaking hands at the toss—reportedly at Pycroft’s behest. The situation escalated further at the end of the match, when Indian players chose not to engage in the customary post-match handshake. Instead, they congratulated each other in the dugout and headed straight to their dressing room, leaving Pakistani players lined up on the field.
India’s winning captain, Suryakumar Yadav, defended his team’s actions, stating:
“We are aligned with the government and the BCCI. Some things are above sportsmanship. Is it really sportsmanship if you don’t even shake hands with the opposing team? That was our answer.”
The gesture—or lack thereof—sparked criticism from former players and commentators. It also drew a sharp reaction from Mohsin Naqvi, who heads both the PCB and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha boycotted the post-match presentation ceremony in protest, while the PCB escalated its complaint not only to the ICC but also to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
Adding to the fallout, the PCB suspended its Director of International Cricket, Usman Wahla, for failing to forward an official letter to the ICC on time regarding the handshake row.
Sunday’s match carried additional weight as it was the first meeting between Pakistan and India since the two nuclear-armed neighbors engaged in hostilities earlier this year. The conflict—triggered by an Indian cross-border strike and Pakistan’s subsequent Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos—claimed more than 70 lives in missile, drone, and artillery exchanges before a ceasefire was reached.
The two sides have not played a bilateral series since 2012 and continue to face off only in multinational tournaments on neutral venues under a long-standing arrangement.
