Pakistan’s future in the ongoing Asia Cup hangs in the balance as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continues to press for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft following the heated India-Pakistan encounter in Dubai.
According to sources, the board is expected to announce its official stance within the next few hours. While the PCB remains adamant about its demand, the team management in Dubai has reportedly not received any formal communication from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the matter.
Possible pullout on the cards
Insiders suggest that if Pakistan’s request is not entertained, the team could even withdraw from the tournament altogether.
On the other hand, Indian media has claimed that the ICC has already rejected PCB’s appeal. Reports indicate that the ICC’s operations or legal department communicated that the referee played no role in the controversial post-match handshake incident on Sunday. Both the PCB and ICC, however, have yet to comment publicly.
On-field setback adds to tensions
The controversy came on the back of Pakistan’s seven-wicket defeat to India. Batting first, Pakistan was restricted to 127-9 before India chased down the target inside 16 overs. Suryakumar Yadav sealed the emphatic win with a towering six, sharing a brief celebration with teammate Shivam Dube before heading straight to the dressing room.
However, Indian players did not return for the customary handshake with the Pakistan team, leaving Salman Ali Agha’s men waiting in vain. Moments earlier, the toss too had taken place without the traditional handshake between the two captains.
Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha also skipped the post-match presentation ceremony, with head coach Mike Hesson fronting the media instead.
“Obviously, we were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We were disappointed that our opposition didn’t do that. We went over there, but they were already heading to the dressing room,” Hesson told reporters, calling the moment “a disappointing way for the game to end.”
PCB’s formal complaint
The PCB later lodged an official complaint with both the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), arguing that Pycroft had failed to fulfil his duties as match referee and breached the ICC Code of Conduct.
“No handshakes were exchanged before or after the match, which is a direct violation of cricket’s spirit and long-standing traditions,” the PCB’s letter read.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), doubled down on the stance through social media:
“The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding the match referee’s violation of the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC laws. The match referee acted against the spirit of cricket. We have demanded the immediate removal of Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup.”
Political undertones
Adding another layer to the controversy, PCB sources alleged that directives during the match were influenced by the Indian board and, ultimately, the Indian government.
Media manager Naveed Akram Cheema reportedly raised the matter with Tournament Director Andrew Russell, who initially pointed towards the Indian board before later clarifying that the instructions had, in fact, come from government authorities.
With the PCB yet to make its final call, all eyes are on whether Pakistan will continue in the Asia Cup or take the drastic step of walking away from the tournament.
