Andy Pycroft not to officiate in Pakistan’s matches as ICC surrenders to PCB

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is reportedly set to remove Andy Pycroft as the match referee from all of Pakistan's matches in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently lodged a complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC), demanding the immediate removal of Andy Pycroft from the remainder of the Asia Cup.

Pycroft had "requested the captains not to shake hands at the toss" - Reports

The demand came a day after the match between India and Pakistan was overshadowed by the 'no handshake' episode. The PCB had alleged that Pycroft had "requested the captains not to shake hands at the toss". The Indian players avoided the customary handshake after the match as well.

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After hitting the winning runs, captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walked straight back to the dressing room. The Pakistan players appeared to walk towards the Indian dugout but returned empty-handed. In response, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha did not appear at the post-match presentation ceremony.

PCB demanded the immediate removal of the Match Referee

Also Read: Ricky Ponting Slaps Pakistan For Spreading Fake Quotes After India Handshake Row

After the match, the PCB decided to escalate the matter and lodged a complaint against Andy Pycroft. Taking to X, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi wrote: "The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup."

The PCB accused the match referee of violating the MCC Laws, stating that his action was against the spirit of cricket. Reports also stated that Pakistan had threatened to withdraw from the tournament if Andy Pycroft was not removed.

Andy Pycroft not to officiate in Pakistan matches:

While Andy Pycroft has not been removed as a match referee for the remainder of the Asia Cup, he is reportedly removed from Pakistan's matches. He and Richie Richardson are the two match referees for the tournament. Pycroft is scheduled to officiate in Pakistan's last group game against the UAE but is set to be replaced by Richardson, according to reports.

The reports state that while the PCB wants Pycroft to be removed completely, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and ICC are working to find a middle ground. The ACC has been holding consultations and presenting proposals to the PCB. The ACC is exploring all the options to ensure that the controversy does not overshadow the tournament.

One of the suggestions under consideration is to keep Pycroft as a part of the referee panel, but he will not supervise Pakistan’s matches. If all the parties agree, Richardson will be the match referee for all the matches involving Pakistan.