Not Jay Shah!! This Indian ICC official single-handedly ripped apart PCB
Published - 18 Sep 2025, 03:14 PM | Updated - 18 Sep 2025, 11:34 PM

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The ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE witnessed one of its biggest off-field dramas as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) tried hard to get match referee Andy Pycroft removed from their games, only to be strongly blocked by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The controversy started after the no-handshake incident in the India vs. Pakistan match, which left the Pakistan camp furious. The PCB immediately demanded that Andy Pycroft be removed from officiating their matches, claiming he had failed in his duties.
The ICC refused to accept the Pakistan Cricket Board's demands. An internal review was conducted, and it concluded that Pycroft had acted completely according to the rules. He had not violated any code of conduct or standard protocols for match referees and the spirit of the game.
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta: The Mastermind behind PCB's defeat in the no-handshake controversy
During the heated discussions, six emails were exchanged between the ICC and PCB, three from each side. However, despite all the drama, the Asia Cup 2025 continues, and Pycroft remains in charge. Now, a massive report came into the light regarding the no-handshake controversy.
Read Also: After being embarrassed on Andy Pycroft, PCB now asks ICC to investigate India vs Pakistan match
As reported by Cricbuzz, ICC’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sanjog Gupta, was the man behind the Pakistan Cricket Board not getting their demand for Andy Pycroft's removal to be fulfilled. Gupta took charge of the situation and ensured that the rules were strictly followed.
Sanjog Gupta personally led the discussion over the drama from the ICC side. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi and COO Salman Naseer tried hard for Pycroft’s removal. But the ICC rejected their demand by saying that there was “no valid reason” to remove Pycroft.
Sanjog Gupta rejects PCB’s attempts to remove Andy Pycroft in the Asia Cup 2025
There were even suggestions internally to temporarily replace Pycroft for the Pakistan-UAE match on September 17 as a compromise to calm the situation. But Gupta rejected this proposal, saying that allowing such a change without proof of wrongdoing would set a dangerous example.
The ICC CEO felt it would weaken the authority of match referees and could encourage teams to try to influence officials in the future. Gupta handled the situation calmly and firmly while rejecting any compromise to keep the game fair and transparent, even.
The report also claimed that the PCB even considered it a small “moral victory” when the ICC agreed to carry out an inquiry into the incident. However, the ICC made it very clear that the investigation would not target Pycroft and would focus only on the broader incident.
Read Also: Haris Rauf exposes PCB's BOYCOTT drama in Pakistan's press conference
Sanjog Gupta’s journey to the top job
Meanwhile, Sanjog Gupta had scripted history by becoming the first Indian CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC), bringing a transformative vision to global cricket. Before joining the ICC, Gupta headed the Sports & Live Experiences at JioStar.
He also worked at Star India and modernized sports broadcasting with innovations like multi-language feeds, digital-first coverage, and a focus on women’s sports. Sanjog scaled major Indian leagues, including the IPL, ISL, and Pro Kabaddi League, while popularizing global tournaments like the Premier League and Wimbledon across the world, especially in India.
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Asia Cup PCB ICC India National Cricket Team Pakistan National Cricket Team India vs PakistanAbout the Author

Rashmi Wasnik is a passionate content writer with over a decade of experience. She started her journ... Read more