The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has once again found itself in the middle of controversy after its strategy to release video footage of match referee Andy Pycroft backfired. The PCB had claimed the 69-year-old Zimbabwean official was apologising to their team management following the handshake saga in the Asia Cup 2025. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has firmly denied the board’s version of events, insisting that Pycroft did not apologise for his actions.

The drama unfolded after the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash on September 14, when Indian players refused to shake hands with their rivals. The PCB placed the blame on Pycroft, accusing him of stopping the handshakes at the toss and demanding his removal from the tournament. They even threatened to boycott their crucial group-stage clash against the UAE, a move that could have led to their elimination.

Despite sending two letters, the PCB failed to convince the ICC, which stood its ground. The Pakistan vs UAE game was delayed by an hour but eventually went ahead, with Pakistan securing a 41-run victory to set up a Super Four rematch with India.

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In a statement, the PCB said: “ICC’s controversial referee Andy Pycroft apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistan team, admitting that the incident was the result of miscommunication.” They even released video footage of Pycroft talking to skipper Salman Ali Agha, coach Mike Hesson, and manager Naveed Akram Cheema, presenting it as proof of his apology.

🚨 Video clip of match referee Andy Pycroft apologising to Pakistan’s manager and captain. pic.twitter.com/VnBKM6ePBa

— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) September 17, 2025

However, ICC sources rejected these claims, clarifying that Pycroft had only apologised for the miscommunication, not for stopping the handshakes. The responsibility, they said, lay with the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) venue manager. “The PCB was within its rights to complain, but Pycroft was found not guilty of wrongdoing,” an ICC source confirmed.

Interestingly, reports suggest Pycroft was only following ACC instructions. What makes the situation even more puzzling is that PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi chairs the ACC. This indicates that the board itself was aware of the “No Handshake” policy but still chose to escalate the issue.

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While the PCB insists that the ICC will carry out further investigations, insiders reveal that no additional probe will be conducted unless new evidence surfaces. “The PCB seeks a further investigation but has not provided any fresh evidence,” a source added.

What began as a handshake controversy has now spiraled into a credibility battle, once again putting Pakistan cricket’s administrative tactics under scrutiny on the global stage.