The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, Cricbuzz reported citing sources.
The PCB had written to both the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), demanding Pycroft’s removal following the “handshake controversy” during Pakistan’s high-voltage clash against India.
According to the PCB, Pycroft instructed both teams to skip the customary handshake before and after the match, an act the board described as a “direct violation of the spirit of cricket and long-standing traditions.” The PCB argued that the directive contradicted the MCC’s code of conduct and accused the referee of failing in his responsibilities.
However, the ICC rejected the request, clarifying that Pycroft acted on guidance from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) officials, who had advised against handshakes at the toss. The ICC letter dismissed Pakistan’s concerns, stating there was no indication that the referee was acting on behalf of the Indian team.
Meanwhile, ARY News reported that Pycroft is unlikely to officiate in Pakistan’s future fixtures in the tournament and will be replaced by West Indies’ Richie Richardson.
Earlier, reports suggested Pakistan considered boycotting the remaining matches unless Pycroft was replaced, with PCB sources stressing that his actions undermined the game’s spirit.
The standoff has created uncertainty around Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures. The team is scheduled to face the UAE in a must-win match to secure a place in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup.
