The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a strong stance against match referee Andy Pycroft, warning that the team will not play further matches in the Asia Cup if he is not replaced. The controversy has sparked intense debate, with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) now exploring possible compromises to resolve the issue.
Background: The Spark of the Controversy
The dispute began during the Pakistan vs India Asia Cup 2025 clash, when Andy Pycroft, acting as match referee, made remarks that upset the Pakistan camp.
- At the toss, Pycroft told Pakistan captain Salman Agha that there would be no handshake.
- Earlier, he had reportedly instructed Pakistan’s media manager not to record certain moments, raising further suspicions.
Following the match, Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema formally lodged a protest with tournament director Andrew Russell. According to Cheema, Russell admitted that the instructions came from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and, at one point, linked the directive to the Indian government.
PCB’s Official Complaint
The PCB escalated the matter by writing letters to both the ICC and MCC, citing violations of cricket’s spirit and laws.
- The board stressed that the “Spirit of the Game” had been repeatedly ignored.
- It accused Pycroft of violating the ICC Code of Conduct.
- PCB’s letter argued that the referee’s behavior not only undermined cricketing values but also represented a “serious breach” of the MCC’s established rules.
ACC’s Proposed Middle Ground
According to Indian media reports, the ACC is attempting to find a compromise to prevent the issue from escalating. Instead of removing Pycroft from the entire tournament, the proposal under discussion suggests that:
- Pycroft would be removed only from Pakistan’s matches, not from the full Asia Cup.
- Former West Indian cricketer and match referee Richie Richardson could replace him in Pakistan’s fixtures.
This middle path is seen as an attempt to keep the tournament on track while addressing PCB’s concerns.
PCB’s Strong Warning
Despite the compromise talks, PCB sources have made it clear that if Pycroft continues to officiate in Pakistan’s games, the team may boycott the remainder of the Asia Cup.
The matter remains sensitive, as it not only involves cricketing regulations but also hints at political undertones, given the mention of directives allegedly tied to Indian authorities.
What’s Next?
With the Asia Cup still in progress, the situation has placed the ACC under pressure to resolve the standoff quickly. A decision on whether Richie Richardson or another official will replace Pycroft in Pakistan’s matches is expected soon.
For now, the PCB remains steadfast: unless the match referee is changed, Pakistan’s participation in the tournament is at serious risk.
