The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed Indian media claims suggesting the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected its request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft.
The controversy stems from the Asia Cup 2025 clash between Pakistan and India, where Pycroft reportedly instructed players to avoid the customary post-match handshake. The directive sparked outrage in Pakistan, with the board arguing that such an act not only undermined the spirit of the game but also breached the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) code of conduct, which governs cricketing traditions.
Several Indian outlets, including Cricbuzz, claimed on Monday that the ICC had already dismissed PCB’s formal complaint. However, PCB officials clarified that no such response has been received to date. “There’s been no official communication from the ICC regarding our letter,” a senior PCB source said, insisting that the board stands by its position and is weighing further steps if the matter drags on.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also weighed in, stressing that while Pakistan values sportsmanship, respect cannot come at the cost of national pride. “Nothing is above the country’s dignity and honour,” he remarked, reiterating that the board would not compromise on principles tied to the game’s traditions.
The PCB had written to both the ICC and the MCC shortly after the high-voltage encounter, calling for Pycroft’s removal and highlighting what it described as his failure to uphold basic responsibilities as a match referee.
As of now, the ICC has not issued an official statement on the matter, leaving the dispute unresolved ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures in the tournament.
