Pakistan’s cricket team has retracted its threat to withdraw and participated in a vital Asia Cup match against the UAE on Wednesday. This decision came after a delay, during which the team claimed they received an “apology” from match referee Andy Pycroft. Pycroft, whose continued role was contested by Pakistan, had previously apologized for what he described as a “miscommunication” during Pakistan’s game against India last Sunday. During that match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan’s skipper, Salman Ali Agha, in solidarity with the victims of a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
In response to the incident, Pakistan lodged two complaints with the International Cricket Council (ICC) requesting Pycroft’s removal, both of which were rejected. The deadlock was resolved after Pycroft expressed remorse to the Pakistani team’s manager and captain for allegedly prohibiting the handshake at the toss.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that the ICC is prepared to explore violations of the Code of Conduct related to the September 14 match. However, a source within the ICC clarified that the apology was strictly for the miscommunication and that an investigation would only take place once the PCB provides additional evidence concerning the matter.
On the day of the match, tensions escalated as the Pakistan team refused to leave their hotel after learning that Pycroft would remain as match referee. Teams are required to report to the stadium two hours before a game, a protocol Pakistan did not follow in protest. This decision was communicated to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi by ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta during a conference call.
The ICC insisted that Pycroft would remain in his position, asserting he had adhered to all rules and regulations. Pakistan holds Pycroft responsible for the embarrassment following the handshake incident, claiming he instructed the two captains not to exchange team sheets.
Following the match, which took place at Dubai International Stadium, Pycroft was seen leaving the venue under security escort. The ICC responded to the PCB’s complaints with a detailed rebuttal, stating the board’s claims were unfounded and that the investigation was based solely on the information provided by the PCB, without any supporting evidence.
The ICC noted that the PCB had the chance to submit statements from team members but chose not to. The governing body concluded there was “no case to answer” regarding the match referee’s actions, emphasizing that he was acting based on explicit guidance from the Asian Cricket Council’s Venue Manager.
Pycroft’s actions were deemed appropriate to maintain the integrity of the toss and prevent any potential embarrassment. The ICC clarified it is not the match referee’s responsibility to enforce team protocols established outside of the match, which falls under the jurisdiction of tournament organizers and team managers.
In closing, the ICC raised concerns that the PCB’s complaints may actually stem from the handshake incident itself, suggesting they should lodge their grievances with the tournament’s organizers rather than targeting the match referee for decisions made outside of his purview.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/09/18/high-drama-at-asia-cup-icc-rejects-pcb-demand-pakistan-delay-match/
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Publish Date: 2025-09-18 02:52:00
