PCB Calls for Replacement of Match Referee Pycroft

Tensions regarding the handshake incident seem to be rising as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) aims to escalate the situation within the Asia Cup. Following a formal protest lodged against the Indian team with the International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee, the PCB has now requested the removal of Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup match referee panel.

“The PCB has submitted a complaint to the ICC about breaches by the Match Referee under the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws relating to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB is demanding the immediate dismissal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup,” stated Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the PCB, in a social media post on Monday (September 15).

The PCB’s main grievance appears to be that Pycroft exhibited bias. They argue that, as match referee, he should not have instructed the captains to refrain from shaking hands. Unconfirmed reports suggest the PCB is considering boycotting their next game against the UAE, scheduled for September 17, should their demand for Pycroft’s removal not be met. Pycroft is the assigned match referee for the Pakistan-UAE match. Naqvi is also the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

Naqvi has also criticized the Indian team without naming anyone directly. “It’s truly disappointing to see such a lack of sportsmanship today. Bringing politics into the game undermines the essence of sports. Let’s hope future wins are celebrated with grace by all teams,” Naqvi wrote on social media on Monday night.

Pycroft (69) is at the center of a controversy for allegedly not taking action on the PCB’s protest against the Indian team, which reportedly refused to shake hands with the Pakistan players after winning by seven wickets at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (September 14). Cricbuzz has sought official comments from both the ICC and the PCB.

Pycroft is among the most seasoned match referees, having served on the ICC Elite Panel since 2009. Along with Pycroft, the ICC had nominated West Indian Richie Richardson for the Asia Cup. The current Elite Panel also features three other match referees: Javagal Srinath from India, Jeff Crowe from New Zealand, and Ranjan Madugalle from Sri Lanka.

Earlier on Monday night, the Pakistan team management lodged a formal protest with Pycroft concerning the Indian players’ refusal to shake hands. “Team manager Naveed Cheema lodged a staunch protest against the unsporting behavior of the Indian players. As a form of protest, we did not send our captain to the post-match ceremony,” stated the Pakistan team management.