KARACHI (Web Desk) — The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has warned that it will withdraw from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 if match referee Andy Pycroft is not removed from officiating in the tournament.
According to sources, the PCB has formally conveyed its position to the International Cricket Council (ICC), raising “serious concerns” over Pycroft’s conduct during Pakistan’s match against India. The board alleged that the referee’s behaviour breached the ICC Code of Conduct and went against the spirit of the game.
In a letter addressed to the ICC, the PCB also sought the removal of tournament director Andrew Russell, expressing dissatisfaction over the handling of the matter.
Confirming the development, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that a written complaint had been lodged with the ICC.
“The match referee took actions contrary to the spirit of cricket,” Naqvi said in a statement, adding that Pycroft had failed to maintain the neutrality expected of his role.
Allegations against Pycroft
PCB officials claimed that during the pre-match toss, Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart — a move the board said was in clear violation of cricketing traditions and MCC laws.
It was further alleged that Pycroft asked Pakistan’s media manager not to document the incident. Following the match, Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema reportedly raised concerns with Tournament Director Andrew Russell, who, according to sources, said the directives had come from the Indian cricket board and later suggested they were linked to instructions from the Indian government.
As a result of the controversy, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha boycotted the post-match ceremony in protest.
Politicised remarks
The situation escalated when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated his team’s victory to what he referred to as the “Pahalgam incident” during the post-match presentation — remarks that were viewed by the PCB as politically motivated.
The PCB maintained that the referee’s conduct, combined with the Indian team’s behaviour, amounted to a violation of ICC and MCC codes, undermining the principles of fairness and sportsmanship.
The board stressed that Pycroft’s removal was essential to safeguard the integrity of the Asia Cup.
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