ICC Removes Match Referee Andy Pycroft from Pakistan’s Remaining Asia Cup Matches After PCB Protest

New Delhi – Indian media reports claim that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has removed match referee Andy Pycroft from Pakistan’s remaining Asia Cup fixtures following strong objections from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The PCB had accused Pycroft of displaying biased behavior during the high-profile Pakistan-India clash, particularly by preventing the traditional handshake at the toss. Pakistan formally demanded his removal, warning that the team would withdraw from the tournament if action was not taken.

According to reports, ICC has accepted PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s demand, marking what is being seen as a major diplomatic victory for Pakistan. Sources suggest that Naqvi also held consultations with senior government officials to formulate a strategy if the ICC had refused.

The controversy erupted during Sunday’s Pakistan-India match when Pycroft told Pakistan’s captain, Salman Agha, that no handshake would take place at the toss. He allegedly instructed the Pakistan media manager not to allow the moment to be recorded. Later, Pakistan’s team manager Naveed Akram Cheema lodged an official complaint with tournament director Andrew Russell, who reportedly claimed the directive came from the Indian cricket board and, ultimately, the Indian government.