The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made a strong statement on Monday, September 15, 2025, by formally demanding the immediate removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup. The board asserts that Pycroft violated the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) code of conduct during a recent high-stakes match between India and Pakistan in Dubai.
The core of the dispute revolves around the conclusion of the aforementioned match, where Indian players notably did not engage in the traditional post-game handshake with the Pakistani team. The PCB views this as a serious breach of sportsmanship and has consequently submitted a formal complaint against Pycroft to the ICC.
Confirming the development, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi publicly stated on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) that the board’s complaint to the ICC specifically cites violations of both the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws, particularly concerning the ‘Spirit of Cricket’. Naqvi reiterated the PCB’s firm demand for Pycroft’s swift removal from his duties at the Asia Cup.
This latest action follows an initial protest lodged by Pakistan with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). In that earlier complaint, the PCB had unequivocally labeled the Indian players’ refusal to shake hands as ‘unsporting’ and contrary to the fundamental principles of the game.
Further details from an earlier PCB statement revealed that team manager Naveed Cheema formally protested the Indian players’ conduct, characterizing it as disrespectful and against the true spirit of cricket. As a direct result of this perceived slight, the Pakistani team chose not to send their captain to the post-match ceremony, underscoring the gravity of their protest.