The doubt surrounding Pakistan’s continuation in the remainder of the Asia Cup 2025 has reportedly been cleared. Following the handshake saga during the match between India and Pakistan last Sunday, the PCB had threatened to pull out of the tournament if match referee Andy Pycroft was not removed.
The Pakistan Board had slammed Pycroft for his role in the entire episode and accused him of violating the code of conduct. The Pakistani board alleged that Pycroft had requested the captains not to shake hands at the toss.
Andy Pycroft becomes Pakistan’s headache
Pakistan Board lodged an official complaint against Pycroft to the ICC, seeking his removal for the remaining matches of the Asia Cup.
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“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,” Mohsin Naqvi wrote on X.
Also Read: PCB To Lodge Complaint Against Suryakumar Yadav; India vs Pakistan Flames Up Asia Cup 2025
UAE and Oman intervene as PCB considers pulling out
The ICC, however, refused to accept Pakistan’s demand to remove Pycroft as an official for the Asia Cup. With Pakistan threatening to pull out of the tournament, a middle ground has been reached thanks to the UAE and Oman, according to reports.
Cricbuzz has reported that the boards of the UAE and Oman have played a key role in the development. The report stated that while Pycroft will continue to officiate matches in the Asia Cup, he has been taken off the roster for Pakistan’s game against the UAE on Wednesday (September 17). Richie Richardson, the other ICC referee on the panel, is likely to officiate the match.
The news outlet further claimed that some face-saving changes were necessitated after the PCB took the extreme position of a pullout. The matter only escalated when the ICC turned down the board’s demand to remove Pycroft. With things getting out of control, officials of the Oman and UAE boards have intervened to resolve the situation.
Official statement aawaited
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Board has issued a statement, saying that it would take a final call on the situation on Wednesday. Their spokesperson, Amir Mir, said: “Consultations are underway in this regard, and a final decision will be made by tomorrow. The decision will be taken keeping Pakistan’s interest in mind.”
Pakistan’s last group game is against the UAE on Wednesday. The Men in Green are in a do-or-die situation after suffering a seven-wicket loss at the hands of India. They need to win the game against the UAE to progress to the Super 4s.
