The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally dismissed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove Andy Pycroft from his role at the ongoing Asia Cup, stating that the match referee was not at fault during the India–Pakistan clash on 14 September.
Reportedly, the ICC conveyed its decision to the PCB via letter last night, deeming their demand to be unfounded.
After the match, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), called for the “immediate removal” of Pycroft from the rest of the Asia Cup. He alleged that Pycroft’s actions had breached the MCC Laws and the spirit of cricket.
“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,” Naqvi wrote on X. “The PCB has demanded the immediate removal of the match referee from the Asia Cup.”
This development followed a complaint made by the Pakistan team manager after the Sunday night match, regarding India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan.
According to the complaint, Pycroft had informed Pakistan captain Salman Agha at the time of the toss that there would be no handshakes.
An objection was raised regarding this conversation between Salman and Pycroft. However, the ICC is said to have justified the situation by stating that ACC officials on the ground had instructed Pycroft that there would be no handshake at the toss.
The ICC’s letter clarified the matter and rejected Pakistan’s claim that the match referee was acting in favour of India.
Despite the complaint, Pycroft was present on 15 September to officiate the match between Hong Kong and Sri Lanka in Dubai.
And since the ICC has cleared him of any wrongdoing, he is expected to officiate the Pakistan vs UAE match as well, which is scheduled for Wednesday.
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