India has once again placed its trust in Andy Pycroft, a match referee who has often been described as their favorite. Pycroft, who previously found himself at the center of controversy during the Asia Cup, is currently officiating the first Test between India and the West Indies in Ahmedabad.
During the toss, former Indian cricketer and current commentator Ravi Shastri made a tongue-in-cheek remark aimed at Pakistan, saying: “Andy Pycroft returns straight from Dubai to the hot seat at home.” His comment drew cheers from Indian fans, who took it as a subtle dig at Pakistan’s earlier criticism of the referee.
Asia Cup Controversy and Pakistan’s Strong Protest
Andy Pycroft’s name first sparked headlines during the Asia Cup, when Pakistan lodged a strong protest over his officiating in their high-profile clash against India. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) accused him of biased decision-making, which escalated into a tense standoff.
The situation became so serious that Pakistan even considered boycotting their scheduled match against the UAE, citing Pycroft’s continued involvement as unacceptable.
ICC Emergency Meeting and Boycott Threat
In response, the ICC convened an emergency meeting to address Pakistan’s concerns. Negotiations between PCB and ICC stretched on, creating a deadlock that delayed the match proceedings.
During this period, the Pakistan team remained inside their hotel under direct instructions from the PCB, refusing to head to the stadium until the matter was resolved. To manage the crisis, the ICC even extended the scheduled start time of the match by an hour.
Resolution Through Apology
Eventually, the standoff ended when Andy Pycroft issued a formal apology for the controversy surrounding his role. With that apology in hand, the PCB gave the national team the green light to leave their hotel and play the match.
The Pakistan side then proceeded to the stadium in Dubai, where they eventually played their fixture against the UAE. The incident, however, left a lasting impression and added another layer of tension to cricketing relations in the region.
India’s Continued Support for Pycroft
Despite the past controversy, India has welcomed Andy Pycroft warmly, showing confidence in his role as referee. His presence in the ongoing Test match highlights how differently the two cricket boards view his contribution.
For India, Pycroft remains a respected official, while for Pakistan, his past decisions still raise questions of fairness and neutrality.
