Is Andy Pycroft being replaced after PCB’s plea? ICC officially rejects the request amid handshake controversy – sportingnews.com

Divy Dubey
(getty)
The Asia Cup 2025 has seen more drama off the field than on it in recent days. After Pakistan's loss to India in Dubai, what should have been a routine post-match gesture turned into a full-blown controversy.
The Indian team declined to shake hands with their opponents – citing solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year. The move left Pakistan furious and the issue quickly spilled into official complaints and demands.
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At the center of it all is match referee Andy Pycroft – whom the PCB has accused of sparking the storm.
The Pakistan Cricket Board formally wrote to the ICC – holding Pycroft responsible for the no-handshake episode. Team manager Naved Cheema first raised the matter with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) – headed by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi before escalating it to the ICC.
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The board claimed the referee had violated the Spirit of Cricket and demanded his immediate removal from the tournament – even warning of a possible boycott if the request was ignored.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the ICC is not inclined to act on PCB’s demand. The governing body found no substantial evidence to suggest Pycroft played more than a minimal role in the matter.
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Sources within the ICC told the publication that at most, the referee may have passed on a message to the Pakistan captain to avoid awkwardness at the toss. Officials believe replacing a match referee at the insistence of one member would set an unhealthy precedent.
The Times of India reported that Pycroft may have been acting on instructions from someone in the ACC – rather than making a decision on his own. A source quoted by the newspaper argued that PCB’s anger may be misdirected and the board should first determine who within the ACC advised Pycroft.
While the ICC has rejected the removal plea, PTI reported that the ACC is weighing a compromise: assigning a different referee for Pakistan’s matches. Richie Richardson has been suggested as a potential replacement for Pycroft in games involving Pakistan – including their fixture against the UAE.
What happens next depends on how firmly PCB pursues its stance. For now, Pycroft remains on the panel and the broader tournament continues, though the controversy shows no signs of fading quickly.
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Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News’ India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.

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