The International Cricket Council (ICC) is highly unlikely to concede to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demand for the removal of veteran match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup. The controversy erupted after India’s emphatic seven-wicket win over Pakistan, which was followed by a refusal of handshakes between the two teams. While the PCB claims that Pycroft’s intervention at the toss played a role in the snub, ICC insiders suggest that the governing body rarely entertains such appeals and is expected to back its appointed official.
The PCB’s complaint stems from the alleged breach of protocol. After the match, Pakistan players were left aggrieved when Indian cricketers refrained from the customary handshake, an act that has since turned into a political and sporting flashpoint. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed that a formal complaint was filed, accusing Pycroft of violating the ICC Code of Conduct as well as the MCC’s Spirit of Cricket laws.
“The PCB has complained to the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee. We have demanded his immediate removal from the Asia Cup,” Mohsin Naqvi posted on X, underscoring the board’s frustration.
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India captain Suryakumar Yadav, however, defended his team’s stand, clarifying that the decision not to exchange handshakes was made in solidarity with the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 lives were tragically lost. Despite his explanation, the PCB remained unconvinced, escalating its protest from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to the ICC.
The matter reached a boiling point when the PCB threatened to boycott their next Group A clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) if Pycroft continued officiating in the tournament. According to the PCB, Pycroft’s intervention only deepened the controversy, sparking the post-match fallout. The stakes are particularly high, as Pakistan’s qualification for the Super 4 hangs in the balance.
Huge Setback For Pakistan: ICC To Reject Suspension Request In No-Handshake Rowhttps://t.co/Y4EDf60D9D pic.twitter.com/PQdOlJzpcd
— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) September 15, 2025
Pycroft, a seasoned Zimbabwean official, has been part of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees since 2009. Alongside him, the Asia Cup features Richie Richardson as the second appointed referee. The elite panel also includes notable names like India’s Javagal Srinath, New Zealand’s Jeff Crowe, and Sri Lanka’s Ranjan Madugalle. The ICC is expected to stand firm on its appointments, which could leave Pakistan with a tough decision.
The qualification scenario adds another layer of tension. Pakistan currently sit on two points, the same as the UAE, who boosted their chances with a commanding 42-run win over Oman. If Pakistan refuse to play against the UAE, the Gulf nation would automatically progress to the Super 4 with four points, while Pakistan’s campaign would end prematurely. Such a self-inflicted exit would be seen as a massive setback for Mohsin Naqvi’s administration.
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If the PCB does allow the team to play, Wednesday’s clash against the UAE effectively becomes a knockout. The winner will join India, who have already sealed their Super Four spot with two victories. For Pakistan, it is a delicate moment—either stand by their protest and risk elimination or take the field and fight for survival. The ball, as it stands, is firmly in the PCB’s court while the ICC weighs its official response.
