The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has escalated its dispute with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over Asia Cup match referee Andy Pycroft, insisting on his removal and threatening to boycott future matches under his supervision. Following the ICC’s rejection of its initial request for a replacement, the PCB sent a second letter reiterating its demand. The board strongly criticized the ICC’s inquiry into the matter, calling it a superficial exercise that failed to comprehensively investigate the incident or consult all parties involved.
The PCB declared it would not participate in any fixture officiated by Pycroft, and conditioned its future Asia Cup involvement on the ICC formally accepting its demand. Pakistan’s unwavering stance has reportedly led to Indian media reports suggesting Pycroft will not oversee any of Pakistan’s remaining games. The controversy originated during Sunday’s Pakistan-India match when Pycroft allegedly told Pakistan captain Salman Agha there would be no handshake at the toss and directed the Pakistani media manager against documenting the incident. The PCB maintains its apprehensions must be fully addressed before the team confirms its continued participation, putting substantial pressure on the ICC for a swift resolution. An announcement regarding the referee is expected soon.