The International Cricket Council (ICC) looks set to turn down the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove Andy Pycroft from his role as match referee for the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had written to the ICC, demanding Pycroft’s immediate replacement after the controversial handshake episode that followed the high-voltage India–Pakistan clash on Sunday night in Dubai. However, sources suggest the world body is unlikely to accede, viewing the demand as lacking sufficient grounds.
Why PCB is upset
The controversy began when Indian players did not shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts after the Group A match, which India won by 29 runs. The PCB believes Pycroft failed in his duty to uphold the ICC Code of Conduct and the Spirit of Cricket, accusing him of mishandling the situation.
In a social media statement, Naqvi alleged:
“The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.”
Adding to the drama, Naqvi — who also serves as president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) — warned that Pakistan might reconsider playing their September 17 fixture against the UAE if the demand is ignored.
ICC’s stance
The ICC, however, is understood to be firm. Officials believe Pycroft’s involvement in the matter was minimal, limited to passing along a message to avoid a potentially embarrassing toss moment where one captain could refuse a handshake.
Replacing a match official at the insistence of one member board, sources say, could set a dangerous precedent. The governing body is expected to formally respond soon, but the impression is clear: Pycroft will stay.
What the Spirit of Cricket says
The PCB has leaned heavily on the Spirit of Cricket argument, but under MCC guidelines, handshakes are not mandatory. While players are encouraged to thank officials and opponents at the end of a match, it is a recommendation — not a law.
The MCC preamble highlights respect, discipline, and fair play but does not enforce physical gestures like handshakes. In fact, the PCB has yet to make any formal approach to the MCC despite invoking their code publicly.
What’s next?
The tension has cast a shadow over the Asia Cup. With Pakistan threatening not to take the field against the UAE, uncertainty looms ahead of what is effectively a must-win clash for Babar Azam’s men.
For now, though, the ICC appears unwilling to bow to pressure. Pycroft, barring a dramatic last-minute U-turn, will continue officiating in the tournament.
