ICC takes action after Pakistan send second letter over Andy Pycroft row, big verdict incoming

In a significant development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sent a second letter of protest against match referee Andy Pycroft to the International Cricket Council (ICC). According to a report by Cricbuzz, the board sent the letter on Tuesday night, just hours before Pakistan's clash against the UAE in Dubai. The meeting was instantly called to address the matter.

Early on Wednesday, reports revealed that the ICC decided to keep Pycroft involved in the Asia Cup but agreed he would not officiate Pakistan’s clash with the UAE. A middle ground was reached, with Richie Richardson appointed as the referee for the Dubai match, while Pycroft remains part of the tournament.

Pakistan Send Second Letter to ICC Over Match Referee Andy Pycroft

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the Pakistan Cricket Board once again approached the ICC for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing continental championship. Notably, the ICC had rejected their initial request, which led to anger in Pakistan.

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The PCB had raised serious concerns over Pycroft’s conduct, alleging that he showed favoritism towards India during the clash between the arch-rivals on September 14. India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan players overshadowed the match.

The board threatened to pull out of the tournament if its demands were not met. The issue quickly attracted the attention of senior officials from the UAE cricket board, who reportedly stepped in to mediate between the ICC and the PCB.

"Richie Richardson, the other ICC referee on the panel, is likely to be brought in for the virtual knockout game between Pakistan and UAE, with Pycroft continuing as a match official in the tournament. The arrangement, though, is yet to be officially confirmed," the report read.

Final Decision Will Be Made by Tomorrow - PCB spokesperson Amir Mir

Pakistan's stance could create complications for all parties, given the tickets already sold and commitments from sponsors and broadcasters. Cricbuzz reached out to the ICC and Emirates board officials for comments, but the ICC has not responded publicly.

The PCB said it will release a statement on Wednesday. Spokesperson Amir Mir confirmed that the board is consulting internally and will make a final decision with Pakistan’s interests in mind.

"Consultations are underway in this regard, and a final decision will be made by tomorrow. The decision will be taken keeping Pakistan's interest in mind," PCB spokesperson Amir Mir said late on Tuesday night.

The board also planned a late-night meeting after Mohsin Naqvi returned to Lahore from Islamabad, where he met government officials to discuss the handshake controversy and the ongoing standoff with the ICC.

Suryakumar Yadav Skipped Handshake with Pakistan, Dedicates Win to IAF and Pahalgam Victims

For those unversed, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav didn’t shake hands with Salman Ali Agha at the toss. The Indian team returned to the dressing room without any handshake with their Pakistani counterparts after the match.

In the post-match presentation, Suryakumar dedicated India’s victory to the Indian Armed Forces and expressed solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Team India have already secured a spot in the Super Fours from Group A after winning their first two matches. Meanwhile, Oman have been eliminated following defeats in both their opening games.

Pakistan will face the UAE in a do-or-die match in Dubai on September 17, with both teams having one win and one loss each. The winner will join India in the Super Fours, while a loss would end Pakistan’s campaign in the 2025 Asia Cup.

Also read: India avoid practice, skip press conference before Oman clash amid no-handshake controversy