Dubai, September 19, 2025: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering strict disciplinary measures against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following allegations of protocol violations during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
According to a report by India Today, the controversy surfaced ahead of the high-profile Pakistan–India clash scheduled for September 21. The report claimed that ICC Chief Executive Officer Sanjog Gupta sent an email to the PCB, questioning why a pre-match meeting with match referee Andy Pycroft — which included Pakistan captain Salman Agha and other officials — was recorded, despite a clear ban on mobile phones and cameras in such sessions.
Indian media further alleged that Pakistan’s team management has breached multiple tournament regulations, including those concerning team conduct and pre-match protocols, in the lead-up to their fixture against the UAE.
The matter gained traction after a video of match referee Pycroft apologizing to Pakistan’s team surfaced on social media, drawing the ICC’s displeasure.
Adding to the controversy, Pycroft had reportedly instructed Salman Agha not to shake hands with Indian captain Surya Kumar Yadav during the Pakistan–India encounter. The directive sparked outrage within the PCB, which formally demanded Pycroft’s removal from the tournament. Following mounting pressure, Pycroft later issued an apology to both the PCB and Pakistan’s squad.
The ICC has not yet announced any official action, but sources suggest that the governing body is reviewing the incidents closely and may impose sanctions on the PCB for breaches of tournament regulations.
