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The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft has been dismissed, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has found him 'not guilty' following an investigation. The dispute arose from a no-handshake incident that occurred during the India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash.
ICC hands Andy Pycroft clean chit after PCB's drama
PCB has asked for an enquiry into the conduct of the match officials in the India versus Pakistan game. However, Andy Pycroft has apologised for the ‘Miscommunication’ and has not apologised to any player or PCB. Andy Pycroft has come clean which put the PCB's gimmick to a halt. Notably, PCB so far has failed to provide any evidence to any of their allegations despite ICC’s repeated requests.
Meanwhile, PCB's drama continued on September 17, right ahead of Pakistan versus United Aram Emirates (UAE) clash. Pakistan cricket team refused to leave its hotel for the crucial Asia Cup Group A match UAE at the Dubai International Cricket stadium. This came after ICC rejected Pakistan's demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft for a second time. Speculations were rife that Pakistan might end up pulling out of the Asia Cup. However, PCB held a press conference right before the start of the match, and made it clear that they are not boycotting the match but the match started with an hour delay.
Pakistan held Pycroft responsible for the embarrassment the team faced on Sunday when Indian players refused to shake hands after their match. The gesture was reportedly in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. While the UAE team arrived at the stadium on time and would have advanced to the Super Four stage if the match had been canceled, the Pakistan team eventually showed up after a one-hour delay.
PCB alleged that the 69-year-old Pycroft, a former Zimbabwe cricketer, had instructed their captain, Salman Ali Agha, to avoid shaking hands with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav. They also claimed that he did not allow the traditional exchange of team sheets between the captains. The ICC, however, rejected these accusations and stood by its decision even after a second letter was sent by the PCB. Sources within the ICC and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) stated that Pycroft was not responsible for the incident. In fact, they claimed he saved Pakistan from being blind-sided by informing them about what the Indians were planning to do.
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