Match referee row ends in defeat as Pakistan marches on in Asia Cup

Referee row ends in defeat as Pakistan marches on in Asia Cup. (AP Photo)

Despite growing tensions over match referee Andy Pycroft's performance during Pakistan's match against India in Dubai on Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allegedly backed off from its threat to withdraw from the Asia Cup 2025. According to reports, Pakistan threatened to withdraw from the tournament if Pycroft was not barred from refereeing any more games.

Even while rumors of a potential boycott circulated on social media and in cricket circles, ESPNcricinfo has revealed that the PCB has not formally declared its intention to withdraw from the competition, regardless of the ICC's ruling on their appeal against Pycroft.

Also Read | ICC declines Pakistan's request to replace match referee Andy Pycroft after handshake row

The PCB said that Pycroft, a match official chosen by the ICC, told both captains not to shake hands during the toss, which is a customary practice in international cricket, which sparked the issue. According to the PCB, Pycroft, a former Zimbabwean cricketer, took Pakistan captain Salman Agha aside to deliver the order.

Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the PCB and head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), stated on Monday that a complaint had been lodged with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Naqvi wrote in a post on X: “The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.”

In a letter to ICC general manager Wasim Khan, the PCB reportedly formalized its complaints, described the incident, and charged Pycroft with violating the ICC Code of Conduct as well as the Spirit of Cricket.

The manager of the Pakistan squad, Naveed Akram Cheema, reportedly asked tournament director Andrew Russell for an explanation after the incident. According to reports, the PCB was notified that the BCCI's stance had impacted the directives following discussions with the Indian government.

The fact that India's players and officials chose not to shake hands with their Pakistan counterparts following the game—a traditional post-match gesture—further exacerbated the situation. According to India captain Suryakumar Yadav, the choice was in line with the BCCI's and the Indian government's recommendations.

Mike Hesson, the head coach of Pakistan, later described the decision as "disappointing," and Salman Agha did not attend the post-match presentation at all.

Pycroft is one of two match referees at the Asia Cup this year, along with Richie Richardson. He will officiate two more group stage matches in Dubai: Pakistan vs UAE and Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong. The ICC has also turned down the PCB's request to remove Pycroft from the tournament.

The PCB has not formally withdrawn or threatened to withdraw, despite the diplomatic strain and a surge of online indignation. Their participation is still scheduled, and their advancement to the Super Four stage—which may include a rematch with India on September 21—will be decided by a pivotal match against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.