PCB Backs Down: Pakistan to Continue Asia Cup 2025 Despite ICC Rebuff on Match Referee Complaint
Asia Cup 2025 controversy: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stepped back from its threat to pull out of the Asia Cup 2025, despite lodging a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against match referee Andy Pycroft. Reports indicate that the ICC is unlikely to remove Pycroft, rejecting PCB’s demand for his suspension.
The controversy, which erupted during Pakistan’s clash with India in Dubai, centered on allegations that Pycroft instructed both captains not to shake hands at the toss — a tradition deeply associated with the Spirit of Cricket.
Pakistan’s Complaint Against Andy Pycroft
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), confirmed that the board had lodged a complaint to the ICC.
Naqvi wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“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.”
The complaint, formalised in a letter to ICC General Manager Wasim Khan, accused Pycroft of undermining cricketing traditions and breaching conduct laws.
India-Pakistan Tensions Spark Controversy
According to PCB sources, Pycroft relayed instructions — reportedly influenced by the BCCI after consultation with the Indian government — to avoid handshakes at the toss.
The situation intensified when India’s players and staff declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts post-match. India captain Suryakumar Yadav said the move was aligned with guidance from the BCCI and government protocols.
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson called the episode “disappointing,” while captain Salman Agha skipped the post-match presentation entirely.
PCB Backs Off Boycott Threat
While speculation of a boycott gained traction on social media, ESPNcricinfo reported that PCB has no plans to withdraw from the Asia Cup irrespective of the ICC’s stance on Pycroft.
Pycroft, along with Richie Richardson, is officiating at the tournament and remains scheduled to oversee Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong and Pakistan vs UAE.
Pakistan will now focus on their crucial upcoming fixture against the UAE, which will decide their Super Four qualification — and potentially set up another India vs Pakistan clash on September 21.
Key Highlights: PCB vs ICC Asia Cup 2025 Controversy
| Incident | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match Referee Allegation | Andy Pycroft allegedly told captains to avoid handshakes at toss |
| PCB Complaint | Lodged with ICC, citing Spirit of Cricket violation |
| India’s Stand | Players did not shake hands, citing BCCI/government guidance |
| PCB Demand | Removal of Pycroft from officiating further matches |
| ICC Position | Likely to reject PCB’s plea, Pycroft to continue |
| Pakistan’s Response | No official boycott, participation continues |
FAQs – PCB’s Complaint and Asia Cup 2025
Q1. Why did PCB complain against match referee Andy Pycroft?
PCB alleged Pycroft instructed captains not to shake hands at the toss, calling it a violation of the Spirit of Cricket.
Q2. Did Pakistan threaten to withdraw from the Asia Cup 2025?
Yes, there was speculation of withdrawal, but PCB has now backed off and confirmed participation.
Q3. What role did India play in the controversy?
Reports suggest the BCCI and Indian government influenced the no-handshake directive. India’s team also avoided post-match handshakes with Pakistan.
Q4. Will Andy Pycroft continue officiating in Asia Cup 2025?
Yes, he remains scheduled to officiate more matches, as ICC is set to reject PCB’s demand for his removal.
Q5. What’s next for Pakistan in the Asia Cup?
Pakistan face a must-win match against the UAE to secure a Super Four spot, potentially setting up another India clash on September 21.
Get Latest News Live on MTIMES along with Breaking News and Top Headlines, Political News and around The World.
You May Like
Trending Searches Today |
Congress Criticises Government’s GST Reform, Says True GST 2.0 Reform in India Still Awaited
SSC CGL New Exam Date 2025 Out: Tier 1 Scheduled from 12th to 26th September
OSSSC Re-Conducts Preliminary Exam 2023: RI, ARI, Amin, Supervisor and SFS Posts from October 8
56th GST Council Meeting: Big GST Rate Cuts Announced, Focus on Common Man and Key Sectors
Undersea Cable Cuts in Red Sea Disrupt Internet Across Asia and Middle East
- Impressive Playback Time- If you want to enjoy an uninterrupted listening experience, then you should choose Ekko Unplug…
- Swift Charging- These Bluetooth neckband earphones have 1.5 hours of charging time. 10 minutes of charging is sufficient…
- Seamless Connectivity- These neckband earphones can be connected to other devices by Bluetooth V5.2 technology. So, list…
- Impressive Playtime- This bluetooth neckband earphones have 15 hours of playback time and 60 hours standby time. So, enj…
- Seamless Connectivity- The Ekko Unplug N02 neckband has bluetooth version 5.1. This feature works well within the range …
- Quick Charging- If you are looking for a neckband that gets quickly charged and works throughout the day, then this blue…
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Experience comfort with soft, long-lasting earcups and MagSnap for secure hold and extended listening …
- 2 EQ MODES: Toggle between Equalizer mode and Sound Monster mode for a personalized audio experience.
- WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: Offers seamless wireless performance with BT v5.4.
