Asia Cup 2025: ICC reacts on PCB’s appeal to replace match referee Andy Pycroft after Pakistan’s defeat against India

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down Pakistan Cricket Board‘s request to remove Andy Pycroft as match referee for the remainder of the Asia Cup 2025, despite fresh tensions following an on-field handshake controversy. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had pressed for Pycroft’s immediate replacement after India players refrained from shaking hands with Pakistan counterparts at the toss ahead of their Asia Cup match on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium.

ICC has issued an official statement at the time of writing, the apex body finds no compelling grounds in the PCB’s complaint. The PCB has argued that the actions amounted to a violation of the Spirit of Cricket and match referee duties; however, ICC believe Pycroft’s only involvement was relaying instructions to avoid public friction at the toss—a role considered procedural, not punitive.

Granting the PCB’s demand would set an unwanted precedent, say ICC officials, especially since the laws do not mandate handshakes before or after matches. The Marylebone Cricket Club’s (MCC) Spirit of Cricket manual merely encourages, rather than requires, such gestures. Despite raising the issue publicly and citing violations of both the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC Spirit of Cricket, the PCB has not formally approached the MCC over the incident. Meanwhile, Naqvi’s dual capacity as PCB chairman and ACC president may not hold much sway, as the ICC holds final authority over match appointments. The world body, in its response, is also expected to clarify that handshakes, although customary, are not a legal compulsion under any international guideline.

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According to reports from CricBuzz, PCB threatened to boycott their upcoming fixture against UAE if their demand is ignored. Pycroft remains the appointed official for the September 17 clash. This intensifies uncertainty around the Asia Cup, but all signs pointed to the ICC maintaining its stance. The board is expected to remind the PCB that respect and fair play—qualities championed in the MCC’s Spirit of Cricket—are advisory rather than regulatory, and that the appointment of officials follows an independent process involving both the ICC and the hosting body, not unilateral member requests.

With no official complaint made to the MCC and the ICC determined to avoid setting a disruptive precedent, it’s increasingly clear that Pycroft will continue as match referee unless new evidence emerges. This episode underscores growing tensions but also the ICC’s resolve to uphold impartiality in tournament administration.

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