Pakistan threatens boycott; Interior Ministry bans Pycroft from entering country
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, escalating tensions between Pakistan and the global cricketing body, sources confirmed.
ICC Turns Down PCB Request
According to officials, the ICC formally communicated its decision to the PCB earlier this week, dismissing claims that Pycroft acted on India’s behalf during Pakistan’s group-stage clash against India on September 14.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), had accused Pycroft of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct and violating the “Spirit of Cricket,” demanding his removal.
Handshake Controversy
The dispute erupted at the toss, when Pycroft reportedly instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav. The PCB viewed this as biased behavior.
However, ICC officials clarified that Pycroft was merely relaying an ACC directive that no handshakes take place at the toss, rejecting suggestions that he was favoring India.
Tensions further escalated after India’s win, when players Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube left the field without handshakes. Although Pakistan’s players and coach later approached India’s dressing room to observe the tradition, the Indian team reportedly shut their door, fueling Pakistan’s anger.
Boycott Threat
PCB sources confirmed that Pakistan has threatened to boycott the remaining Asia Cup matches if Pycroft continues as match referee. Should Pakistan forfeit their upcoming clash against the UAE, the hosts would automatically advance, eliminating Pakistan from the tournament.
Pycroft’s Role to Continue
Despite Pakistan’s protest, the ICC reaffirmed that Pycroft would remain in charge for the rest of the Asia Cup, including Pakistan’s next match against the UAE. Officials stressed that appointments are made in coordination with the ACC and remain binding.
PCB’s Next Step
Separately, the PCB has formally written to the ICC demanding that Pycroft not be assigned to Pakistan’s upcoming home series against South Africa in October, citing “partiality in past assignments.”
Interior Ministry Ban
Adding a diplomatic dimension, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has now barred Andy Pycroft from entering the country, effectively preventing him from officiating in any fixtures held on Pakistani soil.
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