The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the names of match officials for Pakistan’s upcoming home series against South Africa, with one notable exception. Zimbabwe’s Andy Pycroft has been removed from the panel following a recent controversy.
Pycroft was initially named as match referee for the series, which runs from 12 October to 8 November, but Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) raised a formal objection to his inclusion. According to reports, the PCB’s decision came after Pycroft’s conduct during the 2025 Asia Cup, where he allegedly instructed Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha not to greet India’s Suryakumar Yadav.
Although Pycroft later apologised, Pakistani authorities reportedly denied him entry for the upcoming series.
Sri Lanka’s Ranjan Madugalle will serve as the match referee now, bringing experience and credibility to the high-profile contest.
The series includes two Tests, three T20Is, and three ODIs, which are part of Pakistan’s World Test Championship campaign and preparations for next year’s global events. Matches will take place in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad.