The cricket world is abuzz with a fresh controversy involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). Following a September 18 email from ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, which outlined potential violations of Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocols, the PCB has issued its official response.
In their defense, the PCB argued that their media manager, being an authorized part of the squad, had legitimate access to the PMOA and that his presence, even with a camera, was not a breach of ICC regulations. They further suggested that if any Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were indeed violated, the responsibility lay with the match referee to report the incident to the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) official.
However, the ICC’s initial communication highlighted a critical point seemingly overlooked by the PCB: the ACU official had specifically objected to a phone being brought into the room and the recording of a sensitive meeting. This meeting involved match referee Andy Pycroft, Pakistan captain Salman Agha, and coach Mike Hesson.
Disturbingly, reports suggest that the PCB not only ignored these objections but allegedly resorted to blackmail. They reportedly threatened to boycott an upcoming match against the UAE if they were not permitted to record the private meeting.
These actions, along with what is described as “defamatory” language used by the PCB in a media statement against Pycroft, could potentially lead to significant legal repercussions for the board.
The entire saga, which originated after the intense India vs. Pakistan clash on September 14, shows no signs of resolution. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide are keenly watching how the ICC, known for its firm stance on integrity and protocol, will respond to the PCB’s latest communication. With another high-octane Super 4s match between India and Pakistan scheduled for September 21 in Dubai as part of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, expect the drama to continue both on and off the pitch.