ICC removes match referee Andy Pycroft from Pakistan’s Asia Cup matches: report

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has removed match referee Andy Pycroft from Pakistan’s remaining Asia Cup fixtures following a request from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), according to sources quoted by Indian media.

The PCB had lodged a strong protest, accusing Pycroft of displaying biased conduct during the high-profile clash against India. The board objected that Pycroft had not permitted the customary handshake at the toss, calling it a move against the spirit of the game.

In response, Pakistan demanded that the ICC replace Pycroft for the rest of the tournament. Indian outlets now claim the ICC accepted this demand, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reportedly succeeding in his stance.

It is worth noting that the PCB had warned it would withdraw from the Asia Cup entirely if the referee was not replaced. Chairman Naqvi also held consultations with senior government officials earlier today to shape a strategy on the matter.

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

The issue arose during the Pakistan-India match on Sunday when, at the toss, Pycroft instructed Pakistan’s captain, Agha Salman, that no handshake would take place. According to reports, Pycroft had also asked the Pakistan team’s media manager not to record the exchange.

After the match, Pakistan’s team manager, Naveed Akram Cheema, conveyed his concerns to tournament director Andrew Russell. Russell initially said the directive had come from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), but later clarified that it was in fact issued by the Indian government.