ICC Likely to Dismiss PCB's Request Regarding Match Referee Andy Pycroft

ICC's Stance on PCB's Complaint

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to turn down Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) request to remove Andy Pycroft from the match referees' panel for the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. The PCB has lodged a formal complaint, holding the 69-year-old referee responsible for recent events.

This situation arose after the Indian cricket team opted not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. Following the conclusion of the match, players Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube headed straight to the dressing room, leaving the Pakistan team waiting on the field for a handshake.

Despite PCB's firm position, a report from Cricbuzz suggests that the ICC is unlikely to take any action regarding the complaint.

According to the report, the prevailing opinion within the ICC is that Pycroft's involvement in the handshake incident was minimal. It is believed that he merely communicated with the Pakistan captain to prevent any public embarrassment that could arise from a refusal to shake hands during the toss. The consensus is that it would set a troubling precedent to replace a match official based on the request of one member, especially when he had no significant role in the controversy that unfolded after the Indian players declined to shake hands with their Pakistani opponents following a league match on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium.

Additionally, another report from a media house indicates that Pycroft acted based on instructions from an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) official.

A source close to the developments commented, "What does the ICC have to do with this? Their role concludes once the officials are appointed. An ACC representative spoke with Pycroft before the match, and the events at the toss were a result of that conversation. It's time for the PCB chief to understand the context of that discussion, who was involved, and why. Instead of blaming the ICC and escalating the situation, they should seek clarity."