The International Cricket Council (ICC) is weighing disciplinary action against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the team allegedly violated multiple tournament rules before their Asia Cup clash against the UAE. The controversy stems from Pakistan’s protest against match referee Andy Pycroft, which delayed the start of the game by almost an hour.
According to sources, the ICC sent a formal email to the PCB citing “misconduct” and “repeated violations” of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta reportedly conveyed that the board had ignored prior warnings and breached PMOA regulations on match day.
The core issue arose when Pakistan allowed their media manager, Naeem Gillani, to film a sensitive pre-match meeting involving Pycroft, head coach Mike Hesson, and captain Salman Ali Agha. The ICC had explicitly barred media personnel from attending such interactions. Despite this, the PCB insisted on Gillani’s presence, even threatening to withdraw from the match if he was denied entry.
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This standoff followed the fallout of the India-Pakistan group stage encounter, where Pycroft allegedly prevented Salman Ali Agha from shaking hands with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav. The PCB claimed this directive was insensitive, while India clarified that Suryakumar avoided the handshake as a mark of respect for victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. In an attempt to resolve the dispute, the ICC permitted a conciliatory meeting before the UAE match—but things escalated once again.
ICC has written a letter and emails to PCB, categorically mentioning multiple violations yesterday by PCB, citing shooting video inside the stadium on match day and posting video on its social media handles. ICC is likely to take action against PCB: ICC source
— ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2025
Sources revealed that Gillani attempted to carry his phone into the PMOA, directly contravening anti-corruption regulations. When stopped, the PCB demanded that the meeting be recorded without audio, a move seen as a further violation of the protocol’s sanctity. The ICC reluctantly allowed it in the “interest of the tournament” but later expressed displeasure over the footage being circulated on social media, sparking widespread speculation about the nature of the discussion.
BIG BREAKING: The ICC CEO has written to PCB, asking how and why was their meeting with Andy Pycroft recorded and used as a video even though it was the restricted PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area)
It’s learnt PCB had put the condition of their media manager accompanying…— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) September 18, 2025
The ICC also took exception to a PCB media release that claimed Pycroft had “apologised” to the Pakistan team. Officials clarified that the referee had merely expressed regret over the miscommunication, not issued a formal apology. This misrepresentation, coupled with the unauthorised recording, has deepened the rift between the ICC and PCB.
Tournament insiders stressed that the PMOA exists to maintain transparency, security, and fairness within cricket. Any breach not only undermines the credibility of match officials but also risks eroding trust among participating teams. With Pakistan already under scrutiny for their on-field performances, this episode has cast an additional shadow over their Asia Cup campaign.
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As of now, the ICC is reviewing the matter and may impose sanctions on the PCB. If penalties are enforced, it could further strain relations between the board and the governing body, especially at a time when Pakistan’s cricket needs stability and focus.
For fans, this controversy is yet another reminder of how off-field politics often overshadows the sport itself. Whether the ICC chooses leniency or a stern response will shape not just Pakistan’s Asia Cup journey but also its standing in global cricket governance.
