ICC Rejects PCB’s Demand to Remove Referee Pycroft
After India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in their Asia Cup match, a dispute arose over the traditional handshake protocol. Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha said match referee Andy Pycroft instructed him not to shake hands with India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav at the toss. PCB took issue with this, calling it a breach of sportsmanship and the spirit of cricket.
PCB’s Demand
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to remove Andy Pycroft from his role as match referee for the Asia Cup. The board even floated the possibility of withdrawing from the tournament if the referee was not replaced.
ICC’s Decision
The ICC has rejected PCB’s request. The governing body clarified that Pycroft would remain referee, stating that he was following instructions from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) officials regarding the handshake policy. The ICC found insufficient grounds in PCB’s complaint to warrant replacing him.
Fallout & Reactions
PCB expressed disappointment with ICC’s decision. They cited concerns about fairness and consistency of protocol. Some PCB officials believe the rules were unclear to their team, especially as Pakistani leaders claimed their captain was not properly briefed on the handshake expectations.
What’s Next
Pycroft, a senior referee with hundreds of international matches to his credit, is set to continue his duties in upcoming Asia Cup matches despite PCB’s objections.
