ICC Rejects PCB’s Plea to Remove Match Referee Andy Pycroft from Asia Cup

September 16, 2025

New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday dismissed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from officiating in the ongoing Asia Cup.

The PCB had lodged a complaint, alleging that Pycroft had asked Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with India’s Suryakumar Yadav during the toss of their Asia Cup match on Sunday.

“Late last night, ICC had sent a reply to PCB stating that Pycroft won’t be removed and their plea has been rejected,” an ICC source told PTI.

Senior Referee Set to Officiate Again

Despite the controversy, the 69-year-old Zimbabwean official, one of the most experienced referees in the ICC Elite Panel with 695 international matches across formats to his name, is slated to officiate in Pakistan’s final group-stage game against the UAE on Wednesday.

Pakistan team manager Naved Cheema also complained to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), claiming that Pycroft had insisted team sheets not be exchanged between the two captains before the match — a departure from usual protocol.

Internal Fallout Within PCB

The controversy has also sparked internal repercussions within the PCB. Sources revealed that the incident primarily arose due to PCB Director of Cricket Operations Usman Walha, who failed to brief his captain about the tournament’s “No Handshake” policy.

An embarrassed PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the ACC, reportedly ordered Walha’s dismissal on Monday for his lapse in communication.

PCB Exploring Options

While the PCB initially pushed for Pycroft’s removal from the entire tournament, the ICC’s rejection has left them exploring alternative solutions. One proposal under discussion is to replace Pycroft with Richie Richardson for Pakistan’s clash against the UAE.

However, it remains unclear whether the ICC will agree to such an arrangement. The larger question now is whether the PCB will continue playing under Pycroft’s supervision or find a compromise.