In a fresh twist to the Asia Cup 2025 controversy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly denied allegations of violating tournament protocols before their group-stage clash against the UAE. Responding to an email from ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, the PCB defended its stance, clarifying that the entry of their media manager into the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) was in accordance with the rules.

The board has even asked the ICC to question match referee Andy Pycroft for what they termed “negligence.” The matter stems from the fallout of the India-Pakistan fixture, where captain Suryakumar Yadav and the Indian players declined the customary handshake. The PCB accused Pycroft of siding with India and failing to act impartially.

In protest, the Pakistan team initially refused to leave their Dubai hotel for their next game against the UAE, sparking fears of a boycott. The deadlock was broken only after Pycroft met Pakistan’s leadership group, including head coach Mike Hesson and skipper Agha Salman.

ALSO READ: Pat Cummins Eyes Full Recovery To Play All Five Tests In Ashes 2025-26

However, the controversy deepened when the PCB insisted on recording the meeting and later released a muted version on social media, claiming Pycroft had apologised. The ICC refuted this, stating he merely expressed regret over a miscommunication.

BREAKING PCB responds to ICC.

This is a full blown confrontation now. Listen in. @RevSportzGlobal https://t.co/D8DPtxiYVa

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) September 19, 2025

Gupta’s email questioned why Pakistan’s media manager was present in a restricted zone, pointing out that it breached the PMOA regulations. In its response, the PCB maintained that the official had authorised access and argued no rules were broken. The board further claimed that if any violation had occurred, it was Pycroft’s duty to escalate the issue to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) instead of involving the ICC.

ALSO READ: Sunil Gavaskar Urges India To Rest Jasprit Bumrah Ahead of Super Four Stage

With the PCB and ICC now at loggerheads, the controversy has taken on political undertones, especially given that both ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta and chairman Jay Shah hail from India. With the India-Pakistan Super Four clash just around the corner, tensions are set to rise, and the standoff promises further drama in what has already been a fiery tournament.