ACC intervenes to resolve match referee dispute as PCB stands firm on its demand

KARACHI: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has stepped in to defuse tensions after Pakistan demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft following the Pakistan-India clash.

According to Geo News, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains firm, warning that the national team will not play further Asia Cup matches if Pycroft continues in his role.

Meanwhile, Indian media reports suggest the ACC is exploring a compromise. One proposal under discussion is to remove Pycroft only from Pakistan’s fixtures, while allowing him to officiate the rest of the tournament.

In that scenario, Richie Richardson could replace him as referee for Pakistan’s matches.

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The row erupted after PCB protested Pycroft’s conduct during the high-voltage Pakistan-India encounter, insisting that his actions violated ICC regulations.

Pakistan followed up with a strongly worded letter to the ICC and MCC, demanding his immediate replacement.