Pakistan's drama ahead of their Group A match against the UAE in the Asia Cup 2025 could land them in trouble with sanctions from the apex body International Cricket Council (ICC). The sanctions can come for breach of ICC protocols which involves the PCB releasing a video where match-referee Andy Pycroft was seen talking to the Pakistan players ahead of delayed start of the match vs the UAE. Pakistan had demanded removal of Pycroft from its matches but later on agreed on him being the official in UAE match after 'he expressed regret' as per the PCB.<h2>Why PCB could face sanctions?</h2>The video released by the PCB shortly after meeting with the ICC officials, before the UAE match, was against the ICC protocols under which a restricted area can not be filmed. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta is reported to have sent a strongly worded email to the PCB regarding the same.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-2025-here-is-how-an-indian-in-icc-andy-pycroft-blocked-pcb-request-to-remove-andy-pycroft-who-is-he-1758208640148">Asia Cup: Here’s how an Indian in ICC blocked PCB’s request to remove Pycroft</a>The whole drama started when Pycroft asked Pakistan skipper not to shake hands with India skipper Suryakumar Yadav at the toss during their Group A match. The PCB believed it to be against the spirit of the game and complained to the ICC. The apex body cleared Pycroft of any wrongdoing and said that the matter must be taken up with the venue manager.<h2>What happens now?</h2>The PCB can face a monetary fine along with other sanctions for the video released from a restricted area about their meeting. Filming inside the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) is strictly banned by the ICC, and the presence of unauthorised personnel, in this case PCB media manager, has made it even worse for them.Pakistan next play India in Super Four stage of the tournament on Sunday (Sep 21). It remains to be seen if the players shake hands in the next match after all the drama ensued post their first match.

The PCB can face a monetary fine along with other sanctions for the video released from a restricted area about their meeting. Filming inside the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) is strictly banned by the ICC.

Pakistan's drama ahead of their Group A match against the UAE in the Asia Cup 2025 could land them in trouble with sanctions from the apex body International Cricket Council (ICC). The sanctions can come for breach of ICC protocols which involves the PCB releasing a video where match-referee Andy Pycroft was seen talking to the Pakistan players ahead of delayed start of the match vs the UAE. Pakistan had demanded removal of Pycroft from its matches but later on agreed on him being the official in UAE match after 'he expressed regret' as per the PCB. Why PCB could face sanctions? The video released by the PCB shortly after meeting with the ICC officials, before the UAE match, was against the ICC protocols under which a restricted area can not be filmed. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta is reported to have sent a strongly worded email to the PCB regarding the same. Also Read - Asia Cup: Here’s how an Indian in ICC blocked PCB’s request to remove Pycroft The whole drama started when Pycroft asked Pakistan skipper not to shake hands with India skipper Suryakumar Yadav at the toss during their Group A match. The PCB believed it to be against the spirit of the game and complained to the ICC. The apex body cleared Pycroft of any wrongdoing and said that the matter must be taken up with the venue manager. What happens now? The PCB can face a monetary fine along with other sanctions for the video released from a restricted area about their meeting. Filming inside the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) is strictly banned by the ICC, and the presence of unauthorised personnel, in this case PCB media manager, has made it even worse for them. Pakistan next play India in Super Four stage of the tournament on Sunday (Sep 21). It remains to be seen if the players shake hands in the next match after all the drama ensued post their first match.

The PCB can face a monetary fine along with other sanctions for the video released from a restricted area about their meeting. Filming inside the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) is strictly banned by the ICC.

Pakistan face ICC sanctions in aftermath of drama around removal of Pycroft before UAE match

The stiff deadlock between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the apex body (ICC) over the removal of Asia Cup match referee Andy Pycroft could have turned ugly had it not been about a specific high-profile person within the ICC, an Indian, who led the negotiations between the two, and was solely responsible for blocking PCB’s request in the handshake saga. The person concerned here is Sanjog Gupta, the first Indian to hold a CEO position within the ICC. Sanjog holds a reputation for being a transformative figure in the world of sports media, and per the latest reports, single-handedly jammed PCB’s request, resulting in the resumption of the Pakistan-UAE game on Wednesday (Sep 17).&nbsp;Following Pakistan’s group game against India in Dubai the past Sunday (Sep 14), where Suryakumar Yadav and his Men in Blue decided against shaking hands with their counterparts after the match, a move he later described as a mark of respect for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, the PCB alleged misconduct on the part of the match referee (Pycroft).&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-2025-pcb-ramiz-raja-accuses-icc-referee-andy-pycroft-of-being-india-favourite-handshake-saga-1758194234285">Asia Cup 2025: Ramiz Raja accuses ICC referee Andy Pycroft of being India’s favourite</a> &nbsp;The PCB accused the former Zimbabwe cricketer of failing to uphold the spirit of the game, further alleging that he instructed the two captains (SKY and Pakistan’s Salman Agha) not to exchange team sheets and also advised Salman against initiating a handshake with Suryakumar Yadav during the toss. &nbsp;Irked with Team India’s decision, Pakistan labelled Pycroft’s softness over not taking any action against the Men in Blue as ‘partisan’, formally requesting the ICC to remove Pycroft as the tournament match referee. Reports suggest that the PCB had asked for Richie Richardson to replace Pycroft, a request denied outright by the ICC.<h3>Sanjog denies PCB’s request &nbsp;</h3>Ahead of Pakistan’s last group game against the UAE, the PCB instructed a group of players, who were already seated in the team bus that was to take them to the venue, to return to the hotel room, hinting at boycotting the game over the handshake saga. While the players obeyed the PCB’s orders, a high-profile closed-door meeting between all parties concerned saw them arrive at the venue some time later, resuming cricket. &nbsp;Meanwhile, the ICC responded to PCB’s request with a firm no, saying there was no valid reason to remove Pycroft from his position. Even following an internal inquiry on this matter conducted by the ICC, they did not find Pycroft guilty of any breach of the umpires and playing rules. The response, however, was part of a six-email exchange between the two boards, three from each.&nbsp; &nbsp;Even though PCB's Mohsin Naqvi and CCO Salman Naseer claimed a moral victory over this investigation, with the PCB even admitting in a social media post about Pycroft apologising to the board for his actions, the ICC refuted them, stating that these claims are false.

Irked with Team India’s decision, Pakistan labelled Pycroft’s softness over not taking any action against the Men in Blue as ‘partisan’, formally requesting the ICC to remove Pycroft as the tournament match referee.

The stiff deadlock between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the apex body (ICC) over the removal of Asia Cup match referee Andy Pycroft could have turned ugly had it not been about a specific high-profile person within the ICC, an Indian, who led the negotiations between the two, and was solely responsible for blocking PCB’s request in the handshake saga. The person concerned here is Sanjog Gupta, the first Indian to hold a CEO position within the ICC. Sanjog holds a reputation for being a transformative figure in the world of sports media, and per the latest reports, single-handedly jammed PCB’s request, resulting in the resumption of the Pakistan-UAE game on Wednesday (Sep 17). Following Pakistan’s group game against India in Dubai the past Sunday (Sep 14), where Suryakumar Yadav and his Men in Blue decided against shaking hands with their counterparts after the match, a move he later described as a mark of respect for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, the PCB alleged misconduct on the part of the match referee (Pycroft). Also read | Asia Cup 2025: Ramiz Raja accuses ICC referee Andy Pycroft of being India’s favourite The PCB accused the former Zimbabwe cricketer of failing to uphold the spirit of the game, further alleging that he instructed the two captains (SKY and Pakistan’s Salman Agha) not to exchange team sheets and also advised Salman against initiating a handshake with Suryakumar Yadav during the toss. Irked with Team India’s decision, Pakistan labelled Pycroft’s softness over not taking any action against the Men in Blue as ‘partisan’, formally requesting the ICC to remove Pycroft as the tournament match referee. Reports suggest that the PCB had asked for Richie Richardson to replace Pycroft, a request denied outright by the ICC. Sanjog denies PCB’s request Ahead of Pakistan’s last group game against the UAE, the PCB instructed a group of players, who were already seated in the team bus that was to take them to the venue, to return to the hotel room, hinting at boycotting the game over the handshake saga. While the players obeyed the PCB’s orders, a high-profile closed-door meeting between all parties concerned saw them arrive at the venue some time later, resuming cricket. Meanwhile, the ICC responded to PCB’s request with a firm no, saying there was no valid reason to remove Pycroft from his position. Even following an internal inquiry on this matter conducted by the ICC, they did not find Pycroft guilty of any breach of the umpires and playing rules. The response, however, was part of a six-email exchange between the two boards, three from each. Even though PCB's Mohsin Naqvi and CCO Salman Naseer claimed a moral victory over this investigation, with the PCB even admitting in a social media post about Pycroft apologising to the board for his actions, the ICC refuted them, stating that these claims are false.

Irked with Team India’s decision, Pakistan labelled Pycroft’s softness over not taking any action against the Men in Blue as ‘partisan’, formally requesting the ICC to remove Pycroft as the tournament match referee.

Asia Cup: Here’s how an Indian in ICC blocked PCB’s request to remove Andy Pycroft. Who is he?

The 2025 Asia Cup has garnered enough attention to become the most-watched ongoing cricket series. The row around the Pakistan Team, which urged the governing body (ICC) to immediately release its match referee, Andy Pycroft, over the ‘handshake saga’ during the India Group game, seems to have grown, with former Pakistan captain and PCB chairman, Ramiz Raja, openly accusing Pycroft of being India’s favourite.&nbsp;&nbsp;The mounting tensions at the continental tournament saw the PCB threatening to boycott the UAE game and the Asia Cup (as a whole); even though they decided against doing so following closed-door discussions with all parties concerned, Pakistan beating the UAE helped them set a date with their arch-rival on Sunday (Sep 21) in Dubai.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-2025-pak-pacer-rauf-says-pcb-s-drama-on-pycroft-not-in-my-control-1758168028264">Asia Cup 2025: Pak pacer Rauf says PCB's drama on Pycroft ‘not in my control’</a>&nbsp;Ahead of their last group game against the venue hosts on Wednesday (Sep 17), the PCB asked the Pakistani side to stay back at their team hotel, demanding Pycroft’s removal following their fallout from their high-octane game against India. The PCB also cancelled their pre-game presser, urging the organisers to postpone the game unless their demands are met.&nbsp; &nbsp;However, nothing worked, as the ICC refused their demands, with Pakistan agreeing to face the UAE while Pycroft retained his place as the match referee. &nbsp;Meanwhile, speaking at a joint presser with the PCB chairman and ACC chief, Mohsin Naqvi, Raja didn’t mince his words while accusing Pycroft of being Team India’s favourite, saying, “What’s interesting is… Andy Pycroft is the favourite [for the Indians]. Whenever I host tosses, he’s always a permanent fixture over there. This is something blatant for me because, though I thought he had refereed several matches, the stats seemingly show something one-sided. &nbsp;“It should not be like this. This is a neutral platform, which is why there are referees and match officials. However, I felt that he was fixed there. But I hope that better sense prevails,” he added.<h3>The breach, the apology and everything else in between</h3>According to the PCB, Pycroft had directly indicated to the two captains (Suryakumar Yadav from India and Salman Agha from Pakistan) that they should not shake hands at any time before, during, or after the game, urging the board to step in and seek a formal investigation into this. &nbsp;Taking to its social media handle X, the PCB said, “ICC’s controversial match referee Andy Pycroft has apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistani cricket team… The ICC has expressed its readiness to investigate the violation of the Code of Conduct.” &nbsp;The ICC, however, denied any such claims, adding that no formal investigation had been initiated and that Pycroft was not found guilty of any breach. The apology, which they stressed, was due to the venue manager’s error.

The mounting tensions at the continental tournament saw the PCB threatening to boycott the UAE game and the Asia Cup (as a whole). 

The 2025 Asia Cup has garnered enough attention to become the most-watched ongoing cricket series. The row around the Pakistan Team, which urged the governing body (ICC) to immediately release its match referee, Andy Pycroft, over the ‘handshake saga’ during the India Group game, seems to have grown, with former Pakistan captain and PCB chairman, Ramiz Raja, openly accusing Pycroft of being India’s favourite. The mounting tensions at the continental tournament saw the PCB threatening to boycott the UAE game and the Asia Cup (as a whole); even though they decided against doing so following closed-door discussions with all parties concerned, Pakistan beating the UAE helped them set a date with their arch-rival on Sunday (Sep 21) in Dubai. Also read | Asia Cup 2025: Pak pacer Rauf says PCB's drama on Pycroft ‘not in my control’ Ahead of their last group game against the venue hosts on Wednesday (Sep 17), the PCB asked the Pakistani side to stay back at their team hotel, demanding Pycroft’s removal following their fallout from their high-octane game against India. The PCB also cancelled their pre-game presser, urging the organisers to postpone the game unless their demands are met. However, nothing worked, as the ICC refused their demands, with Pakistan agreeing to face the UAE while Pycroft retained his place as the match referee. Meanwhile, speaking at a joint presser with the PCB chairman and ACC chief, Mohsin Naqvi, Raja didn’t mince his words while accusing Pycroft of being Team India’s favourite, saying, “What’s interesting is… Andy Pycroft is the favourite [for the Indians]. Whenever I host tosses, he’s always a permanent fixture over there. This is something blatant for me because, though I thought he had refereed several matches, the stats seemingly show something one-sided. “It should not be like this. This is a neutral platform, which is why there are referees and match officials. However, I felt that he was fixed there. But I hope that better sense prevails,” he added. The breach, the apology and everything else in between According to the PCB, Pycroft had directly indicated to the two captains (Suryakumar Yadav from India and Salman Agha from Pakistan) that they should not shake hands at any time before, during, or after the game, urging the board to step in and seek a formal investigation into this. Taking to its social media handle X, the PCB said, “ICC’s controversial match referee Andy Pycroft has apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistani cricket team… The ICC has expressed its readiness to investigate the violation of the Code of Conduct.” The ICC, however, denied any such claims, adding that no formal investigation had been initiated and that Pycroft was not found guilty of any breach. The apology, which they stressed, was due to the venue manager’s error.

The mounting tensions at the continental tournament saw the PCB threatening to boycott the UAE game and the Asia Cup (as a whole).&nbsp;

Asia Cup 2025: Ramiz Raja accuses ICC referee Andy Pycroft of being India’s favourite

Pakistan will continue to participate in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 after a resolution was reached to replace match referee Andy Pycroft from their remaining matches. Pakistan play against the host UAE in a must-win Group A fixture if they are to advance to the Super 4 stage. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had raised a formal protest to remove Pycroft as the match referee after he asked the captains not to shake hands after the toss during the high-voltage India vs Pakistan match on Sunday (Sep 14).<h2>Pakistan to continue participating in Asia Cup 2025</h2>After raising the complaint against Pycroft and getting no reply from the ICC, Pakistan threatened to pull out of the tournament and even cancelled their scheduled press conference ahead of the match against the UAE on Sep 17. The PCB also issued a statement regarding the same and said that the 'consultations are underway' regarding pulling out of the Asia Cup.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-faces-fresh-embarrassment-as-fake-football-team-players-deported-from-japan-1758092844822">Pakistan faces embarrassment as 'fake football team players deported from Japan'</a>The situation, however, seems to have come under control with a PCB insider confirming to news agency PTI and ANI that Ritchie Richardson will be given officiating duties in Pakistan matches.<h2>Why all the drama?</h2>The whole incident started when Pycroft had asked India skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Agha not to shake hands during their Group A match. After the match, the Indian players also avoided customary handshakes with the Pakistan players. Pak skipper, in retaliation, did not come for the post-match interview after loss against India.Upon being asked why the Indian players did not shake hands, India skipper Suryakumar said that it was to show 'solidarity with the Indian armed forces and the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.The two countries were involved in the border hostilities after India launched precision strikes against Pakistan-based terror outfits post Pahalgam terror attack in April earlier this year. &nbsp;

After raising the complaint against Pycroft and getting no reply from the ICC, Pakistan threatened to pull out of the tournament. The situation, however, seems to have come under control with Richie Richardson being given officiating duties in Pakistan matches.

Pakistan will continue to participate in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 after a resolution was reached to replace match referee Andy Pycroft from their remaining matches. Pakistan play against the host UAE in a must-win Group A fixture if they are to advance to the Super 4 stage. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had raised a formal protest to remove Pycroft as the match referee after he asked the captains not to shake hands after the toss during the high-voltage India vs Pakistan match on Sunday (Sep 14). Pakistan to continue participating in Asia Cup 2025 After raising the complaint against Pycroft and getting no reply from the ICC, Pakistan threatened to pull out of the tournament and even cancelled their scheduled press conference ahead of the match against the UAE on Sep 17. The PCB also issued a statement regarding the same and said that the 'consultations are underway' regarding pulling out of the Asia Cup. Also Read - Pakistan faces embarrassment as 'fake football team players deported from Japan' The situation, however, seems to have come under control with a PCB insider confirming to news agency PTI and ANI that Ritchie Richardson will be given officiating duties in Pakistan matches. Why all the drama? The whole incident started when Pycroft had asked India skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Agha not to shake hands during their Group A match. After the match, the Indian players also avoided customary handshakes with the Pakistan players. Pak skipper, in retaliation, did not come for the post-match interview after loss against India. Upon being asked why the Indian players did not shake hands, India skipper Suryakumar said that it was to show 'solidarity with the Indian armed forces and the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The two countries were involved in the border hostilities after India launched precision strikes against Pakistan-based terror outfits post Pahalgam terror attack in April earlier this year.

After raising the complaint against Pycroft and getting no reply from the ICC, Pakistan threatened to pull out of the tournament. The situation, however, seems to have come under control with Richie Richardson being given officiating duties in Pakistan matches.

Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan to continue playing as referee Andy Pycroft saga resolves - Report

After India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in their Asia Cup 2025 match in Dubai on Sunday (Sep 14), a major controversy and drama erupted. Before the game, the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan captain Agha Salman at the toss. After the win, the Indian team players refused to shake hands with the opponents. The Indian skipper said that some things are bigger than sportsmanship and dedicated the victory to the armed forces following their successful execution of Operation Sindoor, which came after a Pakistan-backed terror attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 innocent people were killed.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-2025-india-vs-pakistan-ind-vs-pak-will-india-face-any-action-over-refusal-of-handshake-with-pakistan-here-s-what-icc-rule-says-1757939335297">Asia Cup 2025: Will India face any action over refusal to shake hands with Pakistan? Here’s what ICC rules say</a>&nbsp;However, after their defeat to India on Sunday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) alleged that the match referee, Andy Pycroft, had told the captains not to shake hands at the toss. The PCB filed a formal complaint to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) General Manager, Wasim Khan, demanding that Andy Pycroft be removed from the Asia Cup.<h2>So, who is Andy Pycroft?</h2>Andy Pycroft is a former Zimbabwe cricketer known for his strong back-foot shots. However, his best playing days were already over by the time Zimbabwe played their first Test match in 1992-93. Pycroft played only three Tests and 20 ODIs before retiring early due to family commitments.&nbsp;Though his first-class cricket opportunities were limited because Zimbabwe had few matches, he made the most of them. One of his best performances was scoring 104 runs against an Australian B side that included famous players like Shane Warne and Steve Waugh.&nbsp;Pycroft also served as Zimbabwe’s captain twice, but he wasn’t very comfortable in the role. After retiring from playing, he moved into cricket management and coaching. He managed Zimbabwe’s Under-19 team, became a selector, and later headed the selectors’ panel. He was Zimbabwe’s coach in 2001 but resigned during the 2003 World Cup due to disagreements with other selectors.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/abhishek-sharma-hits-six-on-first-ball-in-t20i-3-other-indians-have-done-it-before-gues-who-1757581660871">Abhishek Sharma hits six on first ball in T20I — 3 other Indians have done it before, guess who</a><h2>Special connection with India</h2>Interestingly, Pycroft is a senior match referee who has officiated in 103 matches, making him the fourth most experienced referee in Test cricket. Interestingly, Pycroft is also the fourth person to officiate in 100 men's Test matches as a match referee.&nbsp;&nbsp;He has been serving as a match referee since 2009, gaining extensive experience of 16 years. Pycroft also has a special connection with India; he made his Test debut against India in 1992 in Harare, scoring 39 runs in the first innings and 46 runs in the second. He was also the match referee at the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne when India toured Australia in 2024-25, where Nitish Kumar Reddy smashed his maiden Test century.&nbsp;Now, coming back to the handshake controversy that is ongoing in &nbsp;Asia Cup 2025, the ICC will decide what action, if any, will be taken on Pycroft.<h2>Pycroft stats in International cricket</h2>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Format</td><td>Matches</td><td>Runs</td><td>Average</td><td>Strike Rate</td><td>Hundreds</td><td>Fifties</td><td>Ducks</td></tr><tr><td>Test</td><td>3</td><td>152</td><td>30.40</td><td>40.21</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>ODI</td><td>20</td><td>295</td><td>17.35</td><td>52.67</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>2</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

 The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) alleged that the match referee, Andy Pycroft, had told the captains not to shake hands at the toss. The PCB filed a formal complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC)demanding that Andy Pycroft be removed from the Asia Cup.

After India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in their Asia Cup 2025 match in Dubai on Sunday (Sep 14), a major controversy and drama erupted. Before the game, the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan captain Agha Salman at the toss. After the win, the Indian team players refused to shake hands with the opponents. The Indian skipper said that some things are bigger than sportsmanship and dedicated the victory to the armed forces following their successful execution of Operation Sindoor, which came after a Pakistan-backed terror attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 innocent people were killed. Also read | Asia Cup 2025: Will India face any action over refusal to shake hands with Pakistan? Here’s what ICC rules say However, after their defeat to India on Sunday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) alleged that the match referee, Andy Pycroft, had told the captains not to shake hands at the toss. The PCB filed a formal complaint to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) General Manager, Wasim Khan, demanding that Andy Pycroft be removed from the Asia Cup. So, who is Andy Pycroft? Andy Pycroft is a former Zimbabwe cricketer known for his strong back-foot shots. However, his best playing days were already over by the time Zimbabwe played their first Test match in 1992-93. Pycroft played only three Tests and 20 ODIs before retiring early due to family commitments. Though his first-class cricket opportunities were limited because Zimbabwe had few matches, he made the most of them. One of his best performances was scoring 104 runs against an Australian B side that included famous players like Shane Warne and Steve Waugh. Pycroft also served as Zimbabwe’s captain twice, but he wasn’t very comfortable in the role. After retiring from playing, he moved into cricket management and coaching. He managed Zimbabwe’s Under-19 team, became a selector, and later headed the selectors’ panel. He was Zimbabwe’s coach in 2001 but resigned during the 2003 World Cup due to disagreements with other selectors. Also read | Abhishek Sharma hits six on first ball in T20I — 3 other Indians have done it before, guess who Special connection with India Interestingly, Pycroft is a senior match referee who has officiated in 103 matches, making him the fourth most experienced referee in Test cricket. Interestingly, Pycroft is also the fourth person to officiate in 100 men's Test matches as a match referee. He has been serving as a match referee since 2009, gaining extensive experience of 16 years. Pycroft also has a special connection with India; he made his Test debut against India in 1992 in Harare, scoring 39 runs in the first innings and 46 runs in the second. He was also the match referee at the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne when India toured Australia in 2024-25, where Nitish Kumar Reddy smashed his maiden Test century. Now, coming back to the handshake controversy that is ongoing in Asia Cup 2025, the ICC will decide what action, if any, will be taken on Pycroft. Pycroft stats in International cricket

After Pakistan's defeat to India on Sunday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) alleged that the match referee, Andy Pycroft, had told the captains not to shake hands at the toss.&nbsp;

Asia Cup: Who is Andy Pycroft, whom PCB wants to be removed? He has a special connection with India

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially demanded the removal of referee Andy Pycroft, who was officiating in the high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan on Sunday (Sep 14) in the Asia Cup 2025. The complaint comes after Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistan counterparts at the toss and then in the post-match. The complaint was confirmed by Mohsin Naqvi, who is the head of the PCB and also of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).&nbsp;

PCB complaint to ICC

<h2>PCB launches complaint against match referee</h2>"The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violation by the Match Referee of the UCC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup," Mohsin Naqvi tweeted on his X handle.<h2>Why was the complaint raised?</h2>According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) Code of Conduct, players from both camps are supposed to shake hands in a gesture of sportsmanship. However, Indian players clearly refused to shake hands with the Pakistani side, having beaten them by seven wickets in a one-sided contest. Naqvi stated that India did not follow the “Spirit of Cricket,” leading to their official complaint.&nbsp;&nbsp;After the incident unfolded, the PCB held match referee Pycroft accountable for not following ICC and MCC rules.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a>&nbsp;In the post-match press conference, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav opened up on the team’s decision not to shake hands. He stated that a few things are above sportsman spirit and reiterated the decision to stand with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the Indian army.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a>&nbsp;“Just wanted to say something. Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile,” Indian captain Suryakumar said at the post-match presser.&nbsp;Despite the rage between the sides, they are likely to meet again on Sunday (Sep 21) if both India and Pakistan finish in the top two of their Asia Cup 2025 group.

The complaint followed the Indian players' refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players at the toss and after the match. The complaint was confirmed by Mohsin Naqvi who is the head of the PCB and also of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). 

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially demanded the removal of referee Andy Pycroft, who was officiating in the high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan on Sunday (Sep 14) in the Asia Cup 2025. The complaint comes after Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistan counterparts at the toss and then in the post-match. The complaint was confirmed by Mohsin Naqvi, who is the head of the PCB and also of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

The complaint followed the Indian players' refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players at the toss and after the match. The complaint was confirmed by Mohsin Naqvi who is the head of the PCB and also of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).&nbsp;

Asia Cup 2025, IND vs PAK: After embarrassing defeat, PCB officially demands removal of referee Andy Pycroft

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Pakistan face ICC sanctions in aftermath of drama around removal of Pycroft before UAE match

Asia Cup: Here’s how an Indian in ICC blocked PCB’s request to remove Pycroft

Asia Cup 2025: Ramiz Raja accuses ICC referee Pycroft of being India’s favourite

Asia Cup: Pak to continue playing as referee Andy Pycroft saga resolves - Report

Asia Cup: Who is Andy Pycroft, whom PCB wants to be removed?

Asia Cup 2025: PCB officially demands removal of referee Andy Pycroft