The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, made it clear that it would not entertain the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove veteran match referee Andy Pycroft from his officiating duties for the ongoing Asia Cup tournament.
The PCB had previously lodged a formal complaint with the ICC. Their grievance stemmed from an incident during the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match on Sunday, September 14, 2025. The PCB alleged that Pycroft had instructed Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, not to engage in the traditional handshake with his Indian counterpart, Suryakumar Yadav, during the toss ceremony.
An ICC source confirmed late last night that the global cricketing body had responded to the PCB, stating unequivocally that Pycroft would remain in his role and their demand had been rejected.
Pycroft, the 69-year-old Zimbabwean official, is scheduled to officiate Pakistan’s final group stage game against the UAE on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Adding to the controversy, Pakistan team manager Naved Cheema had also filed a separate complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Cheema’s complaint reiterated the allegation that it was Pycroft who insisted against the customary exchange of team sheets between the two captains before Sunday’s match, deviating from standard protocol.