The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has threatened to withdraw from the remaining Asia Cup matches following a dispute over the conduct of match referee Andy Pycroft during the Pakistan-India game. The PCB has formally complained to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), demanding Pycroft’s removal.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the protest, alleging Pycroft’s actions violated the ICC Code of Conduct and damaged the spirit of cricket. Media sources indicate the PCB’s complaint details alleged breaches of cricketing regulations and ethics.
The controversy stems from Pycroft’s alleged instruction to Pakistan captain Salman Agha to forgo the customary pre-match handshake with the opposing team. The referee also reportedly ordered Pakistan’s media manager not to document the incident. After the match, Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema protested to tournament director Andrew Russel, who reportedly initially attributed the instructions to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and later to the Indian government.
The PCB’s letter cites MCC laws emphasizing the “Spirit of Cricket” and accuses Pycroft of failing to uphold these principles. The board alleges that the referee’s actions contravened the ICC Code of Conduct and tarnished the image of the game. The PCB also called for the removal of Andrew Russel, the tournament director, accusing him of complicity in what they term an “Indian plan.”
The PCB insists on Pycroft’s replacement as a condition for Pakistan’s continued participation in the Asia Cup. Failure to meet this demand will result in a boycott of the remaining matches.