ICC to Reject PCB’s Plea Against Match Referee Andy Pycroft Amid Asia Cup Handshake Row

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly set to dismiss the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demand to remove senior match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 panel. This comes after Pakistan threatened to pull out of the tournament over the controversial no-handshake incident that occurred during the India–Pakistan Group A clash in Dubai.

Background: The Handshake Fiasco

On September 14, 2025, after India’s victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Group A fixture at the Dubai International Stadium, Indian players declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav later explained the decision, stating it was a mark of solidarity with the families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, in which 26 civilians were killed by terrorists.

The refusal sparked a diplomatic and sporting controversy, with the PCB filing a complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), alleging that referee Andy Pycroft played a role in escalating the issue during the pre-match toss.

PCB’s Complaint Against Pycroft

PCB team manager Naved Cheema initially lodged a protest with the ACC, claiming that Pycroft had instructed the captains regarding the handshake protocol. Later, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the ACC, escalated the matter to the ICC, alleging:

  • Pycroft violated the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Spirit of Cricket Laws.

  • The referee “initiated” the controversy by instructing players to skip the customary handshake.

  • Pakistan demanded Pycroft’s immediate removal and threatened to boycott the Asia Cup if its request was ignored.

ICC’s Stand on the Issue

According to reports, the ICC is unlikely to comply with PCB’s demand. Sources within the governing body indicated:

  • Pycroft’s involvement was minimal; he merely relayed a message during the toss.

  • The message reportedly originated from the ACC, not the ICC.

  • ICC officials believe acceding to PCB’s demand would set a dangerous precedent, allowing member boards to pressure for the removal of officials without concrete grounds.

A Cricbuzz report highlighted that the ICC views Pycroft’s role as non-substantive and not warranting disciplinary action or replacement.

ACC’s Involvement

A separate Times of India report suggested that Pycroft was acting under ACC instructions, not independently. A senior source said the referee was asked by someone within the ACC to manage the handshake situation discreetly at the toss to avoid a visible snub between the two captains.

This raises further questions about the ACC’s internal handling of the issue, shifting the spotlight away from the ICC.

Possible Compromise

Despite the ICC’s stance, sources indicate that the ACC is exploring a middle ground. According to a PTI report, one potential solution is to remove Pycroft from officiating Pakistan’s remaining matches in the tournament.

  • Pycroft was originally scheduled to officiate Pakistan’s next Group A game against the UAE.

  • The PCB reportedly finds Richie Richardson an “acceptable alternative.”

Such a compromise could ease tensions while allowing the tournament to continue without a PCB boycott.

Conclusion

The handshake controversy has highlighted how cricket between India and Pakistan remains highly politicized, with sporting decisions often escalating into diplomatic flashpoints. While the ICC is unwilling to bow to PCB’s demand, the ACC may opt for a tactical compromise to ensure the Asia Cup proceeds smoothly.

As of now, PCB’s boycott threat appears unlikely to succeed in forcing ICC action, but it has once again underscored the fragile nature of Indo-Pak cricket relations.


Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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