After being embarrassed on Andy Pycroft, PCB now asks ICC to investigate India vs Pakistan match

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has once again faced embarrassment as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has dismissed all allegations related to match referee Andy Pycroft over the “handshake” controversy in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

India’s silent stance on the “handshake” controversy has left the PCB red-faced. India’s bold no-handshake stand against Pakistan didn’t sit well with Pakistan. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team didn’t exchange handshakes at the toss or after their thumping win over Pakistan.

ICC stands firm in the Asia Cup 2025 saga against PCB

This left the Pakistan camp fuming. Within hours, the PCB launched a series of complaints to the ICC and Asian Cricket Council (ACC), including the demand of sacking the match referee, Andy Pycroft, as his conduct was a breach of the Code of Conduct and Spirit of Cricket.

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The PCB even threatened to walk out of the Asia Cup 2025 if their demands were not met. But the ICC wasted no time in launching a full review. After closely examining the incident, the ICC declared that Pycroft had done absolutely nothing wrong.

The Zimbabwe match official had only followed instructions issued by the tournament organizers to ensure that the toss ran smoothly without any awkward on-field moments. In fact, the ICC hailed Pycroft for managing the tense situation professionally and preventing unnecessary embarrassment on live television.

PCB red-faced after failed power play over Andy Pycroft

But the PCB refused to let it go, repeating their demand for Pycroft’s removal and insisting they would not accept him as match referee for their Asia Cup 2025 matches. The drama escalated further when the ACC threw its support behind PCB, formally requesting Pycroft’s exclusion.

Even then, the ICC stood firm by Pycroft’s side. The sport’s governing body has made it clear that no referee would be changed and warned that it would set a dangerous example for the future. Despite six emails, heated phone calls, and hours of behind-the-scenes discussions, Andy Pycroft stayed.

The entire episode has left the PCB red-faced, as their protests have backfired. The Men in Green played the UAE and won that game by 41 runs to make it to the Super Four round of the ongoing continental tournament. And for their embarrassment, Pycroft was the match referee in that match.

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PCB pushes for inquiry, ICC demands evidence

Despite this, PCB sent another email to the ICC on September 17, demanding a full inquiry into what they called Code of Conduct breaches during the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash on September 15 and the drama that followed involving Pycroft.

But the governing body turned the tables and asked PCB to back up its claims with hard evidence. Officials made it clear that unless Pakistan can provide clear proof of any wrongdoing, there will be no further action taken on the controversy in the Asia Cup 2025.

Despite days of noise, six emails, and fiery accusations, they have yet to submit concrete details. The ICC has kept the door open but is waiting for the evidence.