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.
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.
What PCB and ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi said on social media -
"The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC 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," Naqvi posted on social media.
India advance to Super 4 -
With UAE beating Oman by a comfortable margin of 42 runs, India officially qualified for the Super 4. India will face Oman in a dead rubber clash on September 19. Their first Super 4 clash will be against either Pakistan or UAE on September 21 in Dubai.