Pakistan to boycott Asia Cup over ICC referee dispute

Pakistan has taken a firm stance over the conduct during its Asia Cup clash with India, warning it will not play further matches if the referee is not replaced.

According to sources, the PCB has conveyed to the ICC that it will withdraw from the tournament unless match referee Andy Pycroft is removed.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that a formal complaint has been lodged, stating the referee acted against the spirit of cricket and violated the ICC Code of Conduct. The board has demanded Pycroft’s immediate removal from the Asia Cup.

The controversy stems from the Pakistan-India game, where Pycroft reportedly instructed both captains not to shake hands after the toss, a move strongly criticised by Pakistan’s team manager, Naveed Akram Cheema.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and the Asia Cup tournament director, stressing that India’s conduct during the match went against the principles of fair play.

Indian players had left when Pakistani players came to shake hands: Mike Hesson

In its complaint, the PCB said Pycroft’s decision to prevent the captains from shaking hands at the toss, and his inaction after the Indian team refused to shake hands post-match, undermined the spirit of the game.

PCB Chairman and Asian Cricket Council head Mohsin Naqvi earlier wrote on X that “Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports,” and expressed hope that future victories would be celebrated with dignity and respect.

The controversy erupted when Indian players walked off without greeting their opponents. In protest, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the closing ceremony.