The International Cricket Council has formally rejected a request from the Pakistan Cricket Board to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup. The controversy stems from a pre-match incident during the India-Pakistan clash, where the PCB alleged that Pycroft had instructed their captain, Salman Ali Agha, not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart, Suryakumar Yadav, at the toss. This demand was part of a larger complaint filed by the PCB with the ICC, but the global body has now cleared the air.
According to the ICC, it was not Pycroft who initiated the "no-handshake" policy, but rather officials from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on the ground. These ACC officials informed Pycroft of the decision, which was a response to the geopolitical tensions between the two nations. This revelation directly counters the PCB’s claim that Pycroft acted under Indian influence and in violation of the "Spirit of Cricket" and MCC Laws. The ICC’s reply, sent to the PCB on Tuesday morning, stated that Pycroft would not be removed from the tournament.
The controversy began when Indian players walked off without offering a post-match handshake after their seven-wicket victory. Pakistan's coach, Mike Hesson, and his team attempted to greet their rivals but were met with a closed dressing room door. In the aftermath, the PCB, led by chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the ACC, filed an official complaint. The complaint, as reported by TimesofIndia.com, accused Pycroft of "misconduct" that was "contrary to the spirit of game" and caused "disrepute to the game."
The 69-year-old Zimbabwean is a senior member of the ICC Elite Panel, with 695 international games to his credit. The ICC's decision to back their official is a significant setback for Pakistan. Reports from sources close to the situation suggest that the embarrassment was caused by the PCB's own Director of Cricket Operations, Usman Walha, who allegedly failed to brief the Pakistan captain on the "no-handshake" policy, leading to his subsequent sacking.
As of now, it remains uncertain what steps the PCB will take next. Pakistan media had reported a threat to boycott their next match against the UAE if Pycroft was not removed, though this was never officially confirmed by the PCB. Pycroft is scheduled to officiate in that match on Wednesday, a crucial game for Pakistan as a win is necessary for them to qualify for the Super 4 stage and potentially face India again.
