Controversy Erupts: PCB Wants Match Referee Pycroft Out Immediately

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has escalated its protest following Sunday’s India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup, with PCB Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi demanding the “immediate removal” of match referee Andy Pycroft from the remainder of the tournament.

• The PCB alleged that Pycroft instructed both captains not to shake hands at the toss, calling it a violation of the ICC Code of Conduct and the Spirit of Cricket.

• At the end of the game, which India won by seven wickets, Indian players and staff refrained from greeting the Pakistan side, breaking from an unwritten tradition.

• India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav later remarked that the decision had backing from the Indian government and BCCI, further fueling criticism.

In a statement on Monday, Naqvi confirmed the PCB had lodged a formal protest:

“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. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.”

• Captain Salman Agha boycotted the customary post-match presentation in protest.

• Team coach Mike Hesson labeled India’s conduct as “disappointing.”

• Naqvi accused India of “dragging politics into the game” and disregarding sportsmanship.

• While the Asia Cup is an ACC tournament, match officials are appointed by the ICC, which means any decision to withdraw Pycroft will require ICC involvement.

• The BCCI, as tournament hosts, may also play a role in the resolution.

This was the first India-Pakistan meeting since cross-border tensions escalated in April.

• The match itself had been clouded by uncertainty, with calls in India to boycott Pakistan.

• Clarity only emerged after the Indian government announced it would permit fixtures in multilateral events but continue its ban on bilateral cricket with Pakistan.

• Pakistan must defeat the UAE to progress to the Super Four, setting up a likely rematch against India in Dubai on September 21.

• With tensions high, all eyes are now on the ACC and ICC to decide whether Pycroft will continue as match referee or be replaced.

The PCB’s demand for Andy Pycroft’s removal highlights the escalating friction between cricket’s fiercest rivals. With the ACC, ICC, and BCCI all entangled in the matter, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the tournament moves forward with fairness—or further controversy.

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