Pakistan has taken a strong stance over the controversy in their Asia Cup clash against India, warning the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the team will not play further matches if referee Andy Pycroft is not replaced.
As per the details, reports quoted sources as saying that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made it clear to the ICC that it will boycott the tournament unless the referee is changed.
The claim comes hours after it was reported that PCB had written to the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) demanding Pycroft’s removal from Asia Cup 2025.
The board, in its letter, cited violations of the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC’s Spirit of Cricket. “The referee’s conduct went against the spirit of the game and MCC laws. The PCB believes this is a serious breach,” the letter read.
Earlier, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also said that the PCB had lodged a complaint with the ICC as the match referee acted against the spirit of cricket. “We have filed a formal complaint over his violation of the ICC Code of Conduct and demanded his immediate removal from the Asia Cup,” he said.
According to reports, the PCB lodged its protest after Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and India skipper Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands at the toss and match referee Pycroft’s conduct drew sharp criticism for telling Pakistan that there would be no handshake.
Earlier, he also told Pakistan’s media manager that the moment should not be recorded.
At the end of the match, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema raised concerns with tournament director Andrew Russell.
According to reports, Russell said that the directive had come from the Indian board, and later said the instructions were from the Indian government.