Andy Pycroft accused of match-fixing for India by ex-Pakistan skipper

Former Pakistan skipper and chairman Ramiz Raja has questioned the neutrality of International Cricket Council match referee Andy Pycroft after the handshake controversy in the Asia Cup 2025. Raja called Pycroft “favourite for the Indians” during a joint press conference alongside PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

India secured a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in a one-sided clash on September 14. Notably, it was the first encounter between the two sides following the Pahalgam terror attack. Fans and former cricketers urged the BCCI to boycott the match, but India decided to participate in the tournament.

India Skipped Handshakes with Pakistan Before and After the Group Match

India skipped handshakes with Pakistan before and after their group-stage clash. India captain Suryakumar Yadav avoided shaking hands with Salman Ali Agha at the toss. Surya stated that the Indian government and BCCI decided not to shake hands with Pakistan players.

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In response, Pakistan lodged a formal complaint. The PCB accused match referee Andy Pycroft of stopping Salman Agha from shaking hands with his Indian counterpart. They demanded Pycroft’s removal from the tournament and even threatened to boycott their fixture against the UAE.

Pakistan’s must-win match was delayed by an hour, with the PCB awaiting instructions from Islamabad on whether to continue in the competition. Notably, the ICC rejected Pakistan’s appeal twice and allowed Pycroft to continue as referee.

Andy Pycroft Is the Favourite for the Indians - Ramiz Raja

Ramiz Raja accused ICC match referee Andy Pycroft of showing bias towards India. Raja stated that Pycroft has officiated in 90 Indian games. He added that Andy Pycroft's repeated presence raised questions about fairness.

“What’s interesting is… Andy Pycroft is the favourite [for the Indians]. Whenever I host tosses, he’s always a permanent fixture over there,” Raja said.

"This is something blatant for me because though I thought he had refereed several matches, stats seemingly show something one-sided. It should not be like this. This is a neutral platform, which is why there are referees and match officials. However, I felt that he was fixed there. But I hope that better sense prevails," he added.

My Biggest Objection Was... - Ramiz Raja

Ramiz Raja expressed frustration over India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s post-match comments. Yadav had dedicated India’s win to the Indian Armed Forces and referenced the Pahalgam attack. Raja said that cricket should be kept separate from political statements.

“My biggest objection was what was said in the post-match presentation (by Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav). That editorial was the critical point.. If the apology has come, then it's good. If cricket turns into a political ground, then nothing can be achieved. I just hope that our cricket team does better."

Pakistan secured a win over the UAE to advance to the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025. After losing six wickets for just 93 runs, Shaheen Afridi played a quick cameo of 29 not out off 14 balls to help Pakistan post a total of 146 for 9. The Men in Green then bowled out the UAE for 105 in 17.5 overs.

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