ICC Stands Firm Against PCB’s Request to Replace Asia Cup 2025 Match Referee

The International Cricket Council (ICC) dismissed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from his duties for the current Asia Cup tournament.

The PCB lodged a complaint with the ICC, claiming that during the toss for their Asia Cup match against India on Sunday, Pycroft instructed Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, not to shake hands with India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav.

An ICC source informed PTI that they responded to the PCB late Tuesday night, stating that Pycroft would remain in his role and the request for his removal had been denied.

The 69-year-old referee from Zimbabwe is scheduled to officiate Pakistan’s final group stage match against the UAE on Wednesday.

Additionally, Pakistan’s team manager, Naved Cheema, submitted a complaint to the Asian Cricket Council, asserting that under Pycroft’s direction, the customary exchange of team sheets between captains did not occur on Sunday.

Published on September 16, 2025.