Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take action against match referee Andy Pycroft. The move comes after a controversy during the Pakistan-India clash in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
Naqvi announced on X that the PCB has officially lodged a written complaint with the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The board accused Pycroft of violating rules and undermining the “spirit of cricket” by instructing Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands at the toss.
According to the complaint, this directive breached established cricket protocol and raised concerns about impartiality. Naqvi stressed that the incident has damaged the principle of fair play, leading the PCB to demand Pycroft’s immediate removal from officiating in the tournament.
The issue escalated further after Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema filed a protest over the Indian players’ refusal to shake hands with the Pakistani side. Cheema described the conduct as disrespectful and against the traditions of sportsmanship. He explained that Pakistan’s reaction, including Salman Ali Agha boycotting the post-match ceremony, was a natural response to the situation.
Officials revealed that the handshake directive had come from the match referee himself. However, critics argue that such decisions create unnecessary friction in a high-profile tournament like the Asia Cup, where political tensions already add pressure to the cricketing rivalry.
The controversy has fueled debate among cricket fans and analysts about whether personal or political disputes should influence the game. With the PCB’s firm stance, the spotlight now rests on the ICC’s response to the complaint.
For now, the demand stands clear: PCB demands removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup, a decision that could set a precedent for handling similar disputes in the future.
For more details about Pakistan’s protest against India’s conduct, read the full report on Pakistan Team Manager Lodges Protest Over Indian Players’ Conduct During Asia Cup Match.
