ICC rejects PCB's demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft, will Pakistan pull out of T20 Asia Cup 2025 or it was an empty threat?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to reject Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demand of match referee Andy Pycroft. PCB had alleged that at the coin toss Pycroft told Pakistan captain Salman Agha not to shake India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s hand. PCB feels that Pycroft’s actions were against the spirit of cricket and he violated ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws. 

After the match, PCB had also complained to Pycroft about Indian team’s refusal of customary handshake following their seven-wicket win at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

As ICC is unlikely to remove Pycroft as match referee, it is yet to be seen whether Pakistan will play their next group stage match against UAE or not. PCB had threatened that they will forfeit from T20 Asia Cup if Pycroft isn’t removed as match referee. 

ALSO READ: 'You can't play such a shot against Bumrah; this isn't the Oman team': R Ashwin brutally trolls Mohammad Haris and Pakistan batters after loss to India

So far, it is understood that Pycroft had a very little role in the handshake controversy. That is the reason why he is unlikely to face the brunt of the ICC. Currently, it is not confirmed whether ICC has written an official reply to the PCB’s complaint. 

Who will make it Super 4 if Pakistan pull out? 

Pakistan are scheduled to take on UAE on September 17 in Dubai. It is a must-win game for them. Both UAE and Pakistan have beaten Oman. If Pakistan pull out of the game, UAE will advance to Super Four. 

ALSO READ: Mohammed Siraj beats New Zealand and West Indies pacers to become ICC's Player of the Month, says 'This award belongs as much to my...'

What PCB and ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi said on social media -