PCB Faces Major Setback as ICC Rejects Demand to Remove Match Referee Andy Pycroft (Social Media)
No Handshake Controversy: A big update has come out on the ongoing 'no handshake' controversy in Asia Cup 2025. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) got a big setback when the ICC rejected their demand in which they had asked to remove the match referee of the tournament, Andy Pycroft. ICC has made it clear that Pycroft will remain in his role and the operation of the tournament will continue as before.
The controversy arose when Team India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets. After the match was over, the Indian players refused to join hands with Pakistani players, which angered Pakistan's players and boards. The PCB complained to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the ICC of the entire case. He alleged that the match referee, Andy Pycroft, prevented Pakistan captain Salman Ali Aga from joining hands with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav during the toss.
Pakistan's demand to remove Andy Pycroft from panel of match referees for Asia Cup has been rejected: ICC source
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 16, 2025
The PCB not only lodged a complaint but also warned that if their demand is not met, they will boycott the tournament. The board had clearly said that if the ICC does not decide to remove Pycroft, then Pakistan will not participate in the match against UAE on September 17.
ICC sources told news agency PTI that the board has formally rejected the PCB's demand. The ICC said in its reply that the match referee's decision was not personal. The ACC officials present on the ground had already informed Pycroft that there would be no handshake at the toss. The referee only followed that instruction.
After this decision of the ICC, it will now be interesting to see what the PCB decides as its next step. Will Pakistan play in the match to be held on September 17? Or will it act on its threat and exit the tournament?
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